Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he is ready to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow.

"I AM READY TO MEET WITH ZELENSKY IN MOSCOW"

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a press conference at the end of his four-day official visit to China. Putin stated that Russia has always objected to Ukraine's NATO membership but has not questioned its membership in the European Union (EU)."Ukraine's security cannot be ensured at Russia's expense," Putin said."Russia will never remain a passive observer to what is happening around us."

Emphasizing that it is possible to reach an acceptable option to end the conflict in Ukraine, Putin said,"I am ready to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Moscow."

"THE WEST IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TRAGEDY IN UKRAINE"

Putin stated that Russia had never raised the possibility of offering Ukraine a security guarantee in exchange for territory, saying,"Territorial issues in Ukraine can be resolved through a referendum, but for this to happen, martial law must be lifted. If a peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian issue proves impossible, Russia will be forced to fulfill its assigned tasks through armed means. Those who completely disregard Russia's security interests are responsible for the tragedy in Ukraine. There is light at the end of the tunnel regarding the Ukrainian solution. What should Ukrainian authorities do if they want to be legitimate and fully participate in the solution process? First, they should hold a referendum. According to the Ukrainian Constitution, all territorial issues can only be resolved through a referendum."

Putin also noted at the press conference that he thought US President Donald Trump’s remarks about Russia, China and North Korea “conspiring against the United States” were a joke.

Putin, who stated that Russia will supply China with more than 100 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually, said,"China remains the locomotive of the global economy. Energy needs in Asia-Pacific countries, including China, are steadily increasing. The outlines of a multipolar world are taking shape. Multipolarity does not mean the emergence of new hegemons; all countries should have equal rights. All countries participating in international relations should have equal rights and an equal position."

ISTANBUL NEGOTIATIONS WITH UKRAINE

Reiterating their opposition to Ukraine's entry into NATO, Putin emphasized that an agreement to provide Ukraine with security guarantees in exchange for a land swap was not on their agenda.

Putin stated that a referendum on the territorial issue in Ukraine should be held, saying,"However, a referendum cannot be held under martial law. This means that martial law must be lifted to hold a referendum, and as soon as that is done, a presidential election must be held. This process can drag on indefinitely."

Putin noted his satisfaction with the work of Vladimir Medinsky, who headed the Russian delegation in the direct negotiations in Istanbul, and said they were ready to raise the level of the Russian delegation in the negotiations with Ukraine.

Speaking about his encounters with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Beijing, Putin said,"I greeted Aliyev and his wife. We exchanged a few words. There are problems in relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, but the desire to develop relations will put everything in its place."