From ‘illegitimate’ Zelensky to frontline advances: Putin’s key Direct Line statements on Ukraine – #INA

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s annual Direct Line press occasion on Thursday supplied a complete view of his stance on the Ukraine disaster. Throughout the round 4 and a half hours of questioning from journalists and Russian residents, Putin reiterated plenty of acquainted positions whereas making some hanging claims in regards to the ongoing battle. Listed here are the important thing takeaways from his remarks.

Zelensky is ‘Illegitimate’ and this can be a downside for peace negotiations

Putin questioned the purpose of negotiating with Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, labeling him an “illegitimate chief.” He mentioned that Kiev would want to carry new presidential elections, as a result of the time period of the Western-backed chief has expired. Zelensky’s management lacks authorized credibility in Russia’s eyes, based on Putin.

“If the primary particular person himself is illegitimate, then all the pieces else additionally loses its legitimacy when it comes to govt authorities and legislation enforcement companies,” he defined. “And all the pieces they do, by following his orders, they know full nicely that they’re accomplices on this criminal activity.”

“If somebody goes to an election (and) positive factors legitimacy, we’ll discuss to anybody, together with Zelensky,” Putin added.

The 2022 Istanbul provide remains to be on the desk

Putin revisited the Istanbul format of peace talks held in 2022, saying that Kiev had initially agreed to the phrases earlier than backing out beneath Western strain. He singled out former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for allegedly sabotaging the negotiations.

“We reached a deal in Istanbul, and the Ukrainians even initialed the doc,” Putin mentioned. “However then Mr. Johnson flew in together with his spectacular coiffure and instructed them to combat to the final Ukrainian.”

Putin’s feedback counsel that Moscow remains to be open to resuming talks beneath the identical circumstances proposed in Istanbul – although no particular phrases have been outlined.

Russia is advancing throughout the entrance line

Putin described the day by day advances of Russian forces alongside the entrance line, claiming they’re “taking again territory in kilometers, not simply meters.” He framed the army marketing campaign as steadily profitable regardless of mounting Western help to Ukraine.

“Our troops are advancing every single day. We aren’t transferring in meters – we’re reclaiming complete sq. kilometers,” Putin asserted.

He didn’t specify the place these advances have been occurring however harassed that Moscow stays centered on securing its aims.

Ukraine taking “colossal losses” in Kursk

Putin acknowledged that Ukrainian forces are struggling heavy casualties in personnel and Western-supplied army {hardware} in fight in Kursk Area. He claimed that Kiev’s incursion into the Russian area made “no army sense” however was pushed by desperation.

“They ship their finest assault models to slaughter in Kursk. The losses are colossal: our bodies of Ukrainian troopers cowl the forest flooring, and NATO-supplied tanks like Abrams, Leopards, and Bradleys litter the battlefield.”

He additionally famous that the Russian army has already destroyed extra armored automobiles in Kursk alone than all through all of final 12 months’s marketing campaign over a a lot bigger land space.

propped up by the West to destabilize Russia. He depicted the warfare as a part of a broader Western technique geared toward weakening Russian sovereignty.

“This regime in Kiev is neo-Nazi by nature and serves as a instrument of the West to assault Russia. They’re getting used, nothing extra,” Putin claimed.

Ukraine liable for homicide of Russian common in Moscow

Putin accused Kiev of orchestrating the assassination of Russian Basic Igor Kirillov, who headed up the nation’s chemical protection forces, in Moscow earlier this week, calling it a “terrorist act.”

“The Kiev regime has repeatedly resorted to terrorism, committing assaults towards Russian residents and army leaders each inside our borders and overseas,” Putin alleged.

Zelensky prone to finally transfer overseas

Putin speculated that Zelensky may go away Ukraine if the scenario worsens for his authorities. He prompt that Western powers would facilitate his relocation as soon as he turns into extra of a legal responsibility than an asset.

“Quickly, there received’t be anybody left in Ukraine keen to combat. When that occurs, Zelensky will possible flee overseas, identical to different Western-installed leaders earlier than him (in different international locations),” Putin mentioned.

Extra ethnic Ukrainians stay in Russia than Ukraine

Putin asserted that extra ethnic Ukrainians stay in Russia than in Ukraine itself, referencing historic migration patterns and the inhabitants of Russia’s new territories. Even earlier than the inhabitants actions of the 2010s, Russian areas such the Kuban and the Far East already had tens of millions of individuals with Ukrainian roots.

“Thousands and thousands of Ukrainians already stay in Russia – presumably greater than stay in Ukraine as we speak. Crimea, the Donbass, and different areas have returned residence, and lots of have voluntarily relocated right here,” he acknowledged.

Credit score by RT Information
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