“Let the U.S. Cancel Zelensky’s Decree”: Putin on Blinken’s Statement

The cancellation of the decree prohibiting negotiations with Russia could be the first step towards dialogue. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Eastern Economic Forum, as reported by TASS.

“If the United States believes that Ukraine is ready for negotiations, then let it cancel the decree of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which prohibits negotiations. There is a presidential decree there that prohibits him and everyone from negotiating. Now, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says they are ready. Well, at least that decree should be canceled; that’s the first step,” said the Russian president.

He added that currently, due to the counter-offensive, Ukraine is suffering significant human and equipment losses. The president noted that the Kyiv authorities, urged by Western curators, want to seize as much territory as possible.

“And then, when all resources—both human and technical, as well as ammunition—are at a near-zero value, they will come to a halt in combat operations and say, ‘Well, we’ve been saying for a long time that we want to start negotiations and begin those negotiations in order to replenish their resources and restore the combat readiness of the armed forces,’” Putin stated. He indicated that this could be one of Ukraine’s tactical options.

The Russian leader concluded that Russia cannot halt military operations if the opponent is conducting a counter-offensive.