Putin says that Russian troops never wanted to capture Kiev
Date
6/23/2024 8:35:00 AM
(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin has refuted claims that Russian forces planned to capture Kiev during the initial stages of the conflict with Ukraine, stating that their objective was to compel the Ukrainian Regime into peace negotiations. Putin made these assertions during a meeting with top diplomats from Russia on Friday, where he addressed ongoing speculation in Ukraine and the West regarding the intentions behind Russia's military movements towards Kiev in late February 2022.
Putin emphasized that despite reaching the outskirts of Kiev, there was no Political decision to storm the city, dismissing such notions as unfounded. He clarified that the military operations were intended to pressure the Ukrainian government to engage in negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict that began with the 2014 coup in Kiev and subsequent hostilities in Donbass.
"The troops' presence near Kiev was aimed at motivating the Ukrainian side to enter negotiations and seek a mutually acceptable solution," Putin asserted. He underscored that the conflict posed a security threat to Russia, prompting Moscow's intervention to safeguard its interests and ensure regional stability.
Putin highlighted that the Russian military actions prompted discussions that ultimately led to agreements beneficial to both Moscow and Kiev, referencing negotiations held in Istanbul in late March 2022. These talks, according to Putin, laid the groundwork for potential resolutions that could satisfy the interests of all parties involved in the conflict.
The Russian president's comments come amidst continued international scrutiny and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, with ongoing discussions focused on implementing peace agreements and resolving the longstanding conflict between Ukraine and the separatist regions of Donetsk and Lugansk.
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