Putin sets forth Russian war objectives in Ukraine press conference
In his first major press conference since the Ukraine conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin made it clear that peace will only come once Russia achieves its objectives. These goals include the denazification and demilitarization of Ukraine, resulting in its neutral status and withdrawal from NATO.
Criticizing the veneration of Nazi collaborator Stepan Bandera in Ukraine, Putin also argued against a Ukrainian war veteran receiving a standing ovation in the Canadian parliament. This episode, as well as the ongoing conflict, has raised tensions between Ukraine and Western nations.
Putin laid out several conditions for achieving peace, such as:
- Demilitarization and Neutrality: Ukraine should reduce its armed forces and defense capabilities, while becoming a demilitarized and neutral state.
- Recognition of Annexed Territories: Ukraine and Western countries must acknowledge the annexation of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson oblasts.
- Withdrawal of Ukrainian Forces: Ukraine must withdraw its forces from occupied territories, potentially including Russia's Kursk region.
- Internal Political Cleansing: Ukraine undergoes an internal political cleansing, ensuring pro-Russian figures occupy key positions.
- Legitimate Government: Negotiations lead to the election of a government deemed acceptable by the Kremlin.
- Lifting of Sanctions: The West lifts all sanctions imposed on Russia, with additional discussions on compensation for damage.
- Security Guarantees: Negotiations resume on December 15, 2021, "ultimatum" and draft treaties on security guarantees proposed by Moscow.
By meeting these conditions, Putin aims to weaken Ukraine and erode Western support for Kyiv, ultimately securing a peace settlement that advances Russian interests.
