Putin in Beijing on Ukraine: War, Referendums, and High-Level Meetings

During an extended visit to China, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the war in Ukraine, ongoing negotiations, and potential future contacts with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, commenting on the state of hostilities, evaluating the Ukrainian leadership and US special envoys, and outlining Russia’s stance on referendums and territorial matters.

This was reported by Russian media.

Putin emphasized Russia’s readiness to elevate the level of negotiations with Kyiv and expressed satisfaction with the work of the negotiating team led by Volodymyr Medinsky. According to him, the team’s approach demonstrates professionalism and restraint.

“The Russian Federation is ready to raise the level of negotiations with Ukraine. I am satisfied with Medinsky’s work in the talks. His team’s approach is an example of restraint and professionalism,” he said.

The Russian President also highlighted the role of US special envoy Swee Witkoff in conveying positions from both sides, while simultaneously criticizing those unhappy with the US stance.

“Negotiations with Trump in Alaska showed that Witkoff reliably conveys the positions of the Russian Federation and the United States. He is criticized by those who dislike his position and Trump’s position on Ukraine. The ‘war party,’ which wants to fight ‘to the last Ukrainian,’ constantly attacks the ‘peace party,’” he added.

Putin discussed the possibility of meeting with Zelenskyy, emphasizing his readiness for dialogue but setting conditions related to Zelenskyy’s current status.

“I have never ruled out the possibility of meeting Zelenskyy. If he is ready, I invite him to come to Moscow. Trump asked me to meet with Zelenskyy. Meeting him in his current status is a path to nowhere,” he said.

Regarding territories and referendums, Putin claimed that Russia acts in the interests of people who supported joining the Russian Federation, and stated that Ukraine’s security decisions should not come at Russia’s expense.

“The Russian Federation is fighting not so much for territories as for the rights of people. We must respect the opinion of those who supported joining Russia in referendums—this is democracy. Kyiv needs a referendum on territorial issues, which requires lifting martial law and holding elections. Ukraine has the right to choose its own security system, but it should not do so at Russia’s expense. Russia has always opposed Ukraine’s NATO membership, but not its EU membership,” he concluded.

Speaking about the military situation, Putin highlighted the successes of Russian forces in all directions but emphasized that the Russian Armed Forces cannot afford to relax due to the continued resistance of the Ukrainian army.

“All groups of the Russian Armed Forces are advancing successfully in all directions. The offensive is progressing at different paces, while the enemy is trying to ‘close the gaps.’ The Armed Forces of Ukraine are not capable of large-scale offensive operations and are trying to hold their borders, but the Russian Armed Forces cannot relax. Ukrainian reserves are dwindling, and unit staffing is at a critical level. After Russian troops withdrew from Kyiv in 2022, Ukraine intended to fight until ‘you turn your head away from us, or we turn ours away from you,’” he said.

Putin also outlined options for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

“We can agree on a mutually acceptable option to end the conflict in Ukraine. I see a ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ for a Ukrainian settlement, but the Russian Federation is ready to achieve its objectives by military means if necessary,” the Kremlin leader asserted.

In addition, he commented on the West’s approach to the conflict and the legitimacy of the Ukrainian president.

“I spoke to Trump in ‘broken English’ during a meeting in Alaska. I cannot fully assess Witkoff’s work as a special envoy of the US President. The West is responsible for the tragic situation in Ukraine, having completely ignored Russia’s security interests. Zelenskyy is the current head of the administration,” he said.

Finally, Putin once again emphasized that negotiations and Russian military operations are proceeding in parallel.

“I try not to be distracted by rumors and speculation. Russia is ready to negotiate, but military objectives remain a priority. All groups at the front are advancing successfully, but we must account for the depletion of the enemy’s reserves and the critical state of its manpower,” the Russian president added.

As you know, on August 31, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin arrived in China for a four-day visit, where he will participate in a number of events.

Earlier, during a meeting in Beijing with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Vladimir Putin said that Russia had begun to “seriously respond” to attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Russian energy. He admitted that this was the reason for Russia’s new attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

As a reminder, one of the largest military parades in recent years was held in Beijing, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan in World War II.

Also, follow “Pryamyi” on Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram.