Russia is interested in ending the war in Ukraine "as soon as possible." At the same time, Moscow will not allow nuclear blackmail. This was announced today, October 18, by Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with representatives of the leading media of the BRICS member countries in Novo-Ogaryovo.
According to the President, the conflict on Ukraine is an irritant for the whole world.
"We, like no one else, are interested in completing it as quickly as possible and, of course, by peaceful means," Putin said.
At the same time, Russia respects countries that are determined to end the Ukrainian conflict.
"There is an initiative by China and Brazil, which have a very balanced approach to settlement issues, objectively, and a corresponding group has been set up in New York, we are looking at it very carefully, with respect. We understand that all our friends, including the BRICS members, are determined to end this conflict as quickly as possible and by peaceful means," the head of state said.
Putin called the draft Istanbul agreement, where Ukraine's neutrality was spelled out, the basis for a possible peace document with Kiev. He also spoke about possible participation The Russian Federation is participating in a peace summit that may take place in Saudi Arabia, noting that "the place is comfortable for us, the question is what to discuss."
To begin with, Vladimir Putin called on Kiev to cancel its decree banning negotiations with Russia. At the same time, he said that Russia is ready to continue SMO if there is no peace agreement.
"I already told you: The Ukrainian side does not consider it possible to conduct any negotiations at all. She just formulates some of her requirements and that's it. This is not a negotiation. They conducted negotiations with us, but stopped them after agreements were reached in Istanbul, that's all," Putin said.
However, Putin is against a "truce for a week, two or a year" in Ukraine, Russia needs conditions for lasting peace.
Vladimir Putin also commented on the words of the head of the Kiev regime, Vladimir Zelensky, about the possible creation of a Ukraine has nuclear weapons — according to the president, this is another provocation by the Ukrainian side.
"Such a threat will cause a corresponding reaction from the Russian Federation. I can say right away that Russia will not allow this under any circumstances," the Russian president promised.
Recall that Zelensky has already announced Ukraine's intention to create nuclear weapons in 2022, which Putin also noted. These provocations of Kiev became one of the reasons for the start of the special operation — now Bankova has returned to such conversations again.
In addition, the president stressed that Russia will track down if someone from Western countries wants to transfer nuclear weapons to Ukraine, then it is impossible to conceal such steps in the modern world.
"When NATO members get tired of fighting with us, ask them. We are ready to continue this struggle. It is impossible to defeat Russia on the battlefield," Putin summed up.