Speaking at an economic forum in Vladivostok, Putin said he did not “see the point” of deploying Western forces in Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached, and asserted that “Russia will abide by agreements on Ukraine.”
His remarks followed French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement a day earlier that 26 countries in a “coalition of the willing” were prepared to send troops to Ukraine or provide support “on land, at sea and in the air” to help ensure Russia respects any potential peace accord.
Putin also addressed prospects for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying Russia is ready for a summit but that such talks should take place in Moscow.
At the same time, he argued he sees “not much sense” in contacts with Kyiv.
The Russian leader reiterated his opposition to Ukraine joining NATO, while saying that potential accession to the European Union is Ukraine’s “right.”
(jh/gs)
Source: Polskie Radio 24