President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that Russia is ready to end the conflict in Ukraine and that it would be a matter of diplomatic resolution.
Putin’s comments were made a day following the U.S. hosted Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, at the White House. He promised him unwavering U.S. Support.
Putin stated that “our goal isn’t to turn the flywheel military conflict but to actually end this war.” We will work for an end, the quicker the better.
John Kirby, White House spokesperson said that Putin had “shown absolutely no indication that he is willing to negotiate” an ending to the conflict which started when Russia sent troops to Ukraine on February 24th.
Kirby stated that “quite the contrary” during an internet briefing. “Everything that he (Putin), is doing in the air and on the ground betrays a man who wishes to continue violence against the Ukrainian people.”
Kirby stated that Biden is open to discussions with Putin but only after Putin has shown “seriousness” in negotiations and after consulting with Ukraine, U.S. allies, and other countries.
Russia insists it is open for negotiations. But Ukraine and its allies believe that this is a plot to purchase time following a string of Russian retreats and defeats which have helped to shift the momentum in favor of Kyiv.
Putin stated to reporters, “I’ve said it many times: The intensification of hostilities results in unjustified losses.”
He said that all armed conflicts are resolved through negotiations. He said, “Sooner than later all parties to a conflict meet and reach an agreement. It is better if this happens sooner than we think. This is something we have not given up on.”
Russia claims it is Ukraine refusing to speak. Kyiv insists that Russia stop its aggressions and surrender all territories it has taken.
Putin said that the Patriot air defense system, which Biden had agreed to provide to Zelenskiy was not important and claimed Russia would come up with a countermeasure.
It was not as efficient and reliable as Russia’s S-300 systems, he said. He said that “an antidote would always be found” and boasted Russia would “crack” the Patriots.
It is a wasteful act of violence. This is just prolonging the conflict.
Putin stated that a price limit imposed by Western nations on Russian oil, to restrict its ability to finance the war, will not harm the Russian economy. Putin said that he would sign an order next week setting out Russia’s reaction.
