Putin Says Ukraine Backers Don’t Want to Resolve Conflict

(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that the "third parties" supporting Kiev have no real desire to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, suggesting instead that they are pursuing their own agendas.

Speaking in an interview, Putin implied that Ukraine is being manipulated by external forces to serve goals unrelated to its national interest.

During a plenary discussion at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on Friday, which was led by Koteich, Putin emphasized that Russia is not aiming for Ukraine's defeat.

He stressed, “We insist on the recognition of the realities that have developed on the ground,” indicating that Moscow's position centers around acknowledging territorial and political changes that have occurred during the conflict.

Following the forum, Putin elaborated further in the interview, underlining his view that Kiev must honor the desires of those citizens who voted to align with Russia.

He reaffirmed the importance of acknowledging the choices made by these populations.

“I hope that the Ukrainian leadership will follow the national interests of the country and not the interests of the third parties that stand behind the regime,” he remarked, reiterating that Ukraine should prioritize its own future.

Putin concluded by asserting, “Ukraine deserves a better future, and not to be a tool in the hands of the third parties that are against Russia,” framing the country’s current direction as influenced by foreign actors hostile to Moscow.

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