Putin: Ukraine is engaged in state terrorism, but there is a chance for negotiations
Direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are possible, but first, Kyiv must at least cease engaging in state terrorism.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced this at the Eastern Economic Forum , reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
"Is there even the slightest prospect of constructive, meaningful peace talks on the Ukrainian conflict at this time? Because the Americans say they're ready, but only after everything has already been agreed upon by someone else, and supposedly without their participation," the host asked.
"I believe the right approach is that Russia and Ukraine must reach an agreement first and foremost. All other countries are ready to support and assist . And not just the US, but also the countries present here—China, for example—are constantly paying attention to this.
"But ultimately, and above all, this problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict. This is the right approach. We are grateful to everyone who is trying to contribute to resolving this issue," Putin said.
"Is there a chance? In my opinion, yes, there is. But the hijacking of civilian aircraft, attacks on civilian merchant ships, and, especially, we've now heard about threats to attack civilian aircraft— this is an expression of state terrorism. And this complicates the possibility of holding bilateral peace talks.
"By the way, those who remain silent, who ignore this—I mean, first and foremost, Ukraine's Western allies— are becoming accomplices to international terrorism . There's no other way to interpret this," the president added.
Putin: Ukraine is engaged in state terrorism, but there is a chance for negotiations.