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Ukraine deal will require security pledges, ‘assurances’ for Russia, Putin says
- Russian forces recently made some advances in the war, now in its third year, as Ukraine struggles to keep its military supplied with munitions following delays in aid
- Putin made his comments ahead of the March 15-17 presidential election that he is certain to win for another six years in power
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President Vladimir Putin said Russia would demand security guarantees to consider talks to end the war in Ukraine, telling a state news agency that “realities on the ground” should be the basis of any negotiations.
In an interview with RIA Novosti published on Wednesday, Putin reiterated Russia’s willing to resolve “this conflict by peaceful means”. Ukraine’s government has previously rejected any deal involving territorial concessions that would reward Putin’s aggression.
“In this case, we are primarily interested in the security of Russia,” Putin said. “We will proceed from that.”
Asked if a “fair deal” with the West is possible, Putin replied: “I don’t trust anyone, but we need assurances.”
There’s never been a need to use tactical nuclear weapons during the war in Ukraine, and the thought never crossed his mind, Putin said, adding he did not think that Russia and the US were heading toward a nuclear conflict.
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