President Vladimir Putin has said he is ready to document in writing the renunciation of a Russian attack on Europe as part of diplomatic negotiations.
He said it was a “lie” and “complete nonsense” to claim that Russia intends to invade Europe.
“To us, that sounds ridiculous. The truth is: We never intended to do that; But if they want to hear it from us, well, then we’ll document it. No question,” Putin said at a press conference concluding his visit to the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek.
Putin has repeatedly rejected accusations from German and other European politicians that Russia wants to invade other European countries after Ukraine.
However, his assurances have been repeatedly doubted in the West, especially since he invaded Ukraine. Even before the invasion of Ukraine, he claimed that Russia did not intend to do so.
Putin: Ready for negotiations on ending war in Ukraine
Putin also reiterated his willingness for peace negotiations.
Next week, US representatives are expected in Moscow for talks on a possible end to the war that has been ongoing for over three and a half years. The discussions are also expected to cover security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe.
As a basic prerequisite for an agreement, Putin again mentioned the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine.
Otherwise Russia will continue the war to achieve its goals of full control there, Putin said.