Russia President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that peace with Ukraine would be feasible only when Moscow had achieved its objectives in the nearly two-year conflict.
“When we achieve our objectives, there will be peace.” They are not going to change. “I will remind you of what we discussed—the de-nazification and de-militarization of Ukraine, as well as its neutral status,” he stated during a press conference in Moscow.
When Putin launched his soldiers into Ukraine in February 2022, he urged the “de-nazification” of its pro-Western neighbor, a term that Holocaust survivors have denounced.
He also demanded the “de-militarisation” of Ukraine, which was fending off Russia’s assault.
“As for de-militarisation, they don’t want to negotiate, so we are then forced to take other measures, including military measures,” Putin said.
He further stated that the parties “agreed on this during the talks in Istanbul,” but Ukraine then reneged on the commitments.
“Either we agree or we need to resolve (the issue) by force,” he said.