MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia wanted an end to the war in Ukraine and that it would necessarily involve a diplomatic solution. Putin’s statement came at a time when US President Joe Biden hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House and promised him continued and unwavering US support. Putin said, ‘Our goal is not to continue the military conflict, but on the contrary to end this war. We will try to end it, and of course the sooner the better.
Russia has consistently said it is open to talks, but Ukraine and its allies see this as a ploy by Moscow. They feel that after the defeat in many areas of Ukraine, Russia wants some time to strengthen its preparations and that is why it is eager to start the talks. Ukraine and its allies feel that Kyiv has the advantage for the time being in the 10-month war, as the Ukrainian army has freed several of its cities from Russian forces and has been able to push them back. Let us tell you that winter has started in Russia and Ukraine and it is a big challenge for both countries to continue the war amidst snowfall.
Putin told reporters, ‘I have said many times, the intensity of hostilities causes unjustified damage. All armed conflicts end in one way or the other, including through diplomatic channels or through dialogue with each other. Sooner or later, in a conflict situation, one of the parties has to step forward and make a compromise. The sooner those who oppose us understand this, the better. We never ruled out this possibility. Russia says it is Ukraine that is refusing to talk. At the same time, Kyiv says that first Russia should stop the attack and vacate all the Ukrainian territories occupied by it, then talks will take place. Putin also underestimated the importance of America’s Patriot air defense system. Joe Biden has agreed to supply it to Zelensky.
Putin said that Russia would find a way to counter it. Describing the American air defense system as very old, he said that it does not work like Russia’s S-300 system. Vladimir Putin said, ‘It will be found out. Russia will be able to neutralize the Patriot air defense system. So the people who are giving this system to Ukraine are wasting it. It is only prolonging the conflict, that’s all. Putin also said that a price cap has been imposed on Russian oil by western countries. It is designed to limit our ability to finance the war without harming the Russian economy. He said he would sign a decree early next week to determine Russia’s response against it.
