Concluding a four-day visit with Chinese leaders and others, the Russian president held a major press conference.
Russian President Vladimir Putin wrapped up his four-day trip to China with a Q&A session, addressing the media on topics ranging from Russia-China relations to the Ukraine conflict and international security.
Key takeaways from the press conference:
A ‘Very Useful’ Visit
Putin described his visit, the longest since 2014, as “very useful,” highlighting the value of both formal negotiations and informal discussions in a friendly atmosphere. He noted the schedule included the SCO summit, a Russia-Mongolia-China meeting, and a visit to China itself, designed to minimize travel.
Power of Siberia 2 Pipeline
Putin announced that Russia and China have finalized an agreement on the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, a major project involving the supply of 50 billion cubic meters of gas per year. He said the deal has satisfied all parties and emphasized that it’s a mutually beneficial agreement based on market principles, not charity.
Potential for Ukraine Conflict Resolution
Putin suggested that the US position, particularly under President Donald Trump, indicates a “genuine desire to find the solution” to the conflict in Ukraine, bringing a potential settlement closer. He added that if this approach fails, Russia will achieve its goals by force.
West Blamed for Shifting Responsibility
Responding to critical remarks by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who called Putin a “war criminal,” Putin claimed it was an attempt by the West to evade responsibility for the Ukraine conflict. He argued that Western European nations have been pushing the situation towards conflict for a decade by ignoring Russia’s security concerns.
Putin’s Willingness to Meet Zelensky
Putin reiterated his willingness to meet with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky but questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy and the potential for meaningful progress. He stated that a meeting would be possible if well-prepared and likely to yield positive results, suggesting Zelensky could come to Moscow.
On Security Guarantees
Putin dismissed rumors of discussions about security guarantees for Ukraine in exchange for territorial concessions. He emphasized that the territorial issue was not Moscow’s priority, stating that the military operation aims to protect the rights of people in those territories to speak their language and live according to their culture and traditions. He affirmed that security guarantees are essential for all countries, including Ukraine, but are not tied to territorial exchanges.