Putin: Ukraine and Russia should be first to negotiate an end to war

Oleksandr Shumilin — 3 September, 11:50

Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Photo: Russian media

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has said that the direct participants in the war – Ukraine and Russia – should be the ones to negotiate an end to it.

Source: Putin speaking at a plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum, as quoted by Russian news agency Interfax

Quote from Putin: "First and foremost, Russia and Ukraine must reach an agreement between themselves [on ending the war – ed.]. Other countries are ready to support and help. And not only the United States… China, for example, constantly draws attention to this and is helping to ensure that the problem is resolved, primarily through peaceful means.

But still, first and foremost, this problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict: Russia and Ukraine. This is the right approach. But we are grateful to everyone who is trying to contribute to resolving this issue. Is there a chance? Yes, in my view, there is."

Details: Putin also reiterated his claim that threats to make Russian airspace unsafe could be regarded as state terrorism. He said such statements complicated negotiations.

Background:

On 1 September, the US Treasury Department confirmed that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had urged his Russian counterpart Anton Siluanov to end the war against Ukraine during a meeting on the sidelines of a G20 ministerial meeting.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an address on 1 September that Russian airspace was becoming completely unsafe and warned all airlines using Russian airspace about the risks.
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin described such warnings as a bid to commit state terrorism. He added that if such "tragedies" occurred, Russia would find a way to respond.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on 2 September that Ukraine had officially notified the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the UN aviation agency, that Russian airspace was unsafe for civilian aviation due to increased military activity.

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