Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow was ready to consider resuming negotiations with Kiev after the elections, but accused Ukraine of attacking Moscow and polling stations.
Speaking to reporters on Friday after the plenary session of the Forum of United Cultures in St. Petersburg, Putin said all proposals for a peaceful settlement were “on the table,” but Russia would “give the matter serious thought” and make decisions based on its own interests.
Putin said Ukrainian attacks had caused casualties and damage to civilian and energy infrastructure, as well as to more than 100 vessels in the Black Sea, including Russian and foreign-flagged ships. He said Russia had repaired the damage.
He said Moscow’s response to the attacks had been severe enough that Kiev was now seeking a halt to strikes, including those targeting energy infrastructure.
Putin also rejected suggestions that Russia was preparing for a war with Europe, saying Moscow had “no such plans” and no reason or motive to escalate tensions.
“We are not preparing for any military action with Europe,” he said. “We have no such plans. And, most importantly, there are no grounds for them.”
‘Aggressive circles’ in Europe
Putin accused what he called “aggressive circles” in Europe of using Ukraine as a tool against Russia and claimed European governments were trying to justify continued support for Kiev by portraying Russia as a threat.
Putin said Russia was aware of what it considers violations of the rights of Russian-speaking populations in the Baltic states but would address the issue through humanitarian and international legal channels.
“We will continue to fight for the rights of our compatriots, but within the framework of international law,” he said.
On US-China relations, Putin welcomed talks between the two countries, saying agreements between the world’s two largest economies would have global economic consequences.
He said Russia’s economic ties with the US were now “almost zero,” while trade with China had reached $240 billion.
Putin said his attendance at the upcoming APEC summit in China had not been finalised and would depend on the situation inside Russia. He said the summit was a significant international event and that he had received an invitation.
