In a recent Q&A session at the Eastern Economic Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin laid out the conditions under which peace talks could commence between Russia and Ukraine.
He emphasized that the first step must be taken by the Kiev government, which needs to lift its legislative ban on negotiations. "Kiev officials should also state that they are ready for it. That's it! And then we'll see," Putin added.
During the same forum, Putin addressed questions about Russia's willingness to halt military actions in Ukraine.
He explained that stopping hostilities is not a straightforward matter, especially when facing a counteroffensive from the other side.
"How can we cease hostilities if the other side is conducting a counteroffensive? What are we supposed to do? They will counterattack, and we will say, 'And we are standing down,'" Putin stated.
The Russian president also criticized the approach of mediators who have been asking if Russia is ready to cease hostilities.
He dismissed the notion that movement without a final goal is beneficial, stating, "We are not Trotskyists: 'Movement is everything, the final goal is nothing.' That's a bad theory."
