Putin claims readiness for 'peace talks,' wants 'security guarantees' for Russia

Russia is willing to engage in peaceful negotiations with Ukraine under the condition that aggressor's interests are taken into account, dictator Vladimir Putin said in an interview with the Chinese news agency Xinhua, published on the Kremlin's website on May 15.

Reiterating Kremlin narratives, Putin claimed that Russia never refused negotiations for a "fair resolution of the conflict."

"This dialogue should also address critical matters such as global stability, security guarantees for all sides involved, and, naturally, for Russia," Putin said.

Read also: Ukraine, allies to develop joint negotiating position for Russia at summit – Zelenskyy’s spokesman

Western countries cannot offer reliable security guarantees, he said, because they allegedly prioritize their own orders and rules over international law, which Russia systematically violates.

Putin once again referenced the purported preparation of a "peace treaty project" between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul in April 2022. Despite this, the Ukrainian side "unexpectedly announced the suspension of negotiations." The dictator made no mention of Russian atrocities in Bucha and Irpin but reiterated the false narrative regarding the withdrawal of Russian troops from Kyiv Oblast supposedly as part of an agreement.

Read also: Slovak President offers Bratislava for Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba categorically refuted on May 14 reports that at the outset of Russia's full-scale invasion, Russia sought peace and Ukraine rejected the agreement in the spring of 2022. He said that the vast disparity in the positions of Russia and Ukraine rendered "the prospects for a real solution to the problem not even remotely possible."

The Economist published an interview with the deputy head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, Vadym Skibitskyi, on May 2, who said that he does not envision a scenario where Ukraine could triumph in the war solely through battlefield efforts. He stated that even if Ukrainian forces managed to repel Russian forces to the borders, it wouldn't conclude the conflict.

Read also: Ukraine denies preparing for peace talks with Russia in June

"At present, both sides are maneuvering for the 'most favorable position' in anticipation of potential talks," he said.

"However, meaningful negotiations cannot commence until the second half of 2025 at the earliest."

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine