Ukraine conflict settlement, future of US-Russia relations, NATO's ‘lies': Highlights from Putin's Q&A
Moscow will no longer play a 'one-sided game' with the West, Russian President Vladimir Putin told journalists on the sidelines of the Eurasian Economic Union summit in Minsk on Friday.
During his press conference, Putin fielded questions on a wide range of issues, including the state of the economy, sanctions, and negotiations with Ukraine.
Settlement of the Ukraine conflict
Putin acknowledged that the roadmaps presented by the Russian and Ukrainian delegations at the second round of talks in Istanbul earlier this month were polar opposites. He said, however, that the talks were specifically held 'to look for ways to bring [our positions] closer.'
He welcomed the ongoing prisoner swaps and the return of the remains of fallen soldiers agreed at the talks. According to Putin, Russia is ready to hand over the remains of some 3,000 Ukrainian troops, in addition to the 6,000 it has already returned. The president said Moscow is ready to continue negotiations.
'We are ready to hold such a meeting in Istanbul,' Putin stated, adding that the Russian and Ukrainian delegation leaders are 'in constant contact.' He said he believes the next meeting should focus on discussing each side's memorandums.
No more 'one-sided' games with NATO
When Western nations speak about Russia's 'aggressiveness,' they are 'turning everything upside down,' Putin said, referring to NATO members' pledge to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.
According to Putin, NATO had 'blatantly lied' in the early 1990s when it promised not to expand eastward. He accused the alliance of constantly ignoring Russia's security concerns, particularly its warnings that NATO's expansion toward Russian borders would be viewed as a threat.
'That is what aggressive behavior looks like,' he said, adding that Moscow is done playing 'one-sided' games with the West.
The president reiterated that Russia has no plans to attack NATO and intends to reduce defense spending over the next three years.
NATO denies ever making commitments not to expand and insists it poses no threat to Russia.
Western Europe 'about to drop dead'
Russia is currently spending 6.3% of its GDP on defense, which is 'a lot,' Putin said. He acknowledged that the nation 'has paid for it with inflation,' but added that the government maintains a 'level-headed approach' to the issue.
The difference, he argued, is that Russia is supporting its own defense industry, while NATO members in Europe are buying weapons from the US.
Still, the Russian economy has grown by more than 4% for two years in a row, while growth in the euro area has been just 0.9%, he noted. Putin claimed that France and Germany are 'on the brink of recession.'
'They're about to drop dead, yet they're still trying to write our obituary,' he said.
Ban on Russian oil trade will be unenforceable
Putin reiterated that sweeping restrictions have failed to hinder Russia's growth. He expressed confidence that tougher sanctions on Russian oil exports – currently being discussed in the EU and US – will not change the situation.
'The world is consuming ever-increasing volumes of oil and petrochemicals as the global economy grows,' he said, adding that a ban on Russian oil will be 'de facto impossible' to enforce.
Trump is a 'courageous man'
Putin said he has 'deep respect' for US President Donald Trump, describing him as a 'courageous man' who has endured 'hardships, difficulties, and dangers.' He added that Moscow welcomes the Trump administration's efforts to help resolve the Ukraine conflict.
The president did not rule out a future meeting with Trump, saying Russia would welcome the return of American companies to its market.
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