Putin: We Seek to End the Conflict and Slovakia Offers Mediation

Putin: We Seek to End the Conflict and Slovakia Offers Mediation
The Russian position shows a mix of openness to negotiations and hints of military escalation, reflecting a dual strategy for negotiation pressure
December 26, 2024, 10:29 pm

بوتين \ تعبيرية \ متداول

President Vladimir Putin reviewed Moscow's efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine on Thursday, according to Russian news agencies.

Putin disclosed the possibility of redeploying the medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile "Oreshnik," while noting that his country is not in a hurry to do so, stating: "We do not rule out the possibility of using it today and tomorrow if necessary."

The Russian president highlighted the possibility of using more lethal medium-range weapons when necessary. In response to President-elect Donald Trump's team's plans to freeze the conflict, Putin reviewed Moscow's efforts to end the conflict, adding: "We are also working hard to end the conflict."

The Russian president revealed a Slovak initiative to host potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, explaining during a press conference that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico "said that if negotiations were to take place, he would be pleased to offer his country's platform."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov explained that Moscow is not imposing preconditions for negotiations regarding the settlement in Ukraine, but rather demands the implementation of previous agreements.

Lavrov stated in a media interview: "When they tell us that Russia is setting preconditions, these are not preconditions, but demands to implement what was previously agreed upon." The Russian Foreign Minister pointed to the possibility of targeting decision-making centers in Kyiv with Russian strikes, confirming the avoidance of targeting civilian facilities.

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