Kyiv Must Revoke Ban on Negotiations with Russia, Says Putin

In order to initiate a peace process in Ukraine, Kyiv must first revoke its legislative ban on conducting negotiations, and the cancellation of this decree could be the first step towards dialogue. This statement was made by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a plenary session at the Eastern Economic Forum.

“If the United States believes that Ukraine is ready for negotiations, then they should revoke the presidential decree of Ukraine that prohibits negotiations. After all, the president has issued a decree that forbids himself and everyone else from negotiating. Here (U.S. Secretary of State Antony) Blinken says they are ready. Well, let that decree be revoked first; that is the first step,” said Putin.

According to Putin, Russia cannot cease military operations if the adversary is on the offensive. Earlier, Putin had stated at the WEF plenary session that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have lost 71,500 troops since the beginning of their counteroffensive.