Ukraine won’t get settlement unless Russia’s security concern is addressed

Moscow/Paris: Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that unless the security concerns as seen by Russia are addressed, the Ukraine issue cannot be resolved. Russian President Putin had a telephonic discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. During the discussion, the Russian President clarified that the Russian military had not entered Ukraine to take over the country while reiterating his demands. The Russian Ambassador has clarified during one of the meetings of the UN Security Council that Russia does not intend to take control of Ukraine. Moreover, six days have passed since Russia launched an attack on Ukraine and the picture is that the war between the two countries is festering with each passing day. The United States, Europe and their allies are standing behind Ukraine and all possible financial and military assistance is being provided to Ukraine. At the same time, Russian forces are seen to be launching attacks to take over important Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv. Against this background, the discussions between the French and Russian Presidents becomes significant.

The Russian news agency informed that the Russian President clarified his stand before the French President during the discussion. The Russian President demanded ‘Russia is prepared to hold talks with the Ukrainian representatives. We hoped that these talks would be reasonably successful. It is possible to find a solution to the Ukraine issue. But for that to happen, proper attention should be paid to the Russian security concerns and an attempt to find a solution. These include acceptance of annexation of Crimea to Russia, disarming Ukraine and freeing Ukraine from the Nazi groups. At the same time, assurance must be given that Ukraine will be free from any foreign influences.’

Putin also claimed that the Russian military is not targeting any civilian settlements in Ukraine. The Russian President accused the nationalist groups in Ukraine are aggressive. Besides, they are using ordinary citizens as human shields. These groups have deployed huge military and defence systems in the civilian settlements and Putin warned that strong attacks have started even in the Donbas city.