Putin Outlines Positions on Ukraine, West Ties, Future Strategy at SPIEF Q&A

(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded an extensive question-and-answer session with leaders of international news agencies during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, addressing topics ranging from the Ukraine conflict and military developments to global alliances, the Middle East, and relations with Western states. According to reports, he responded to more than 20 questions, with much of the discussion focusing on the ongoing war and Russia’s strategic outlook.

He stated that control over Donbass and a potential settlement regarding Ukraine “do not contradict each other,” adding that Moscow is “without doubt” prepared to pursue a peaceful resolution based on a compromise previously discussed with US President Donald Trump in Anchorage, provided Kyiv agrees to similar terms.

On military matters, he said Russia did not deploy the Oreshnik system “in the full sense” during operations in Ukraine, explaining: “We tested similar systems at training grounds, but not the Oreshnik. This was not combat use.”

He also claimed that Russian forces currently hold full control over the Luhansk People’s Republic, along with more than 85% of the Donetsk People’s Republic and nearly 80% of the Zaporizhzhia region.

Addressing speculation about his political future, Putin noted that the constitution would allow him to run for another presidential term in 2030, but said it was “far too early” to consider such a step and that he is “not even thinking about that right now.”

He rejected the idea of any sudden strategic shift toward Asia, arguing that Russia’s relationship with China has developed gradually over many years. He described Moscow and Beijing as “natural allies and partners” as well as neighboring states.

On potential negotiations with Kyiv, he said Russia would only sign any agreement with what he described as a “legitimate representative” of Ukraine, stressing that this requirement is “not a whim.” He also added that there is “no need” to pause military operations in order to conduct talks.

Finally, he suggested that the European Union could still have “a positive role,” but not through military support. Instead, he said the EU should encourage Ukrainian authorities to accept the compromise framework previously discussed in Anchorage.

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