Putin: It will be impossible to agree with Kiev on the main issues

It will be almost impossible to agree on the main issues with the Ukrainian side. This was announced today, September 5, by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the WEF plenary session in Vladivostok.

"It will be almost impossible to agree with the Ukrainian side on key issues, even if there is political will," the head of state said.

Other important statements on the Ukrainian conflict were also made. Thus, Vladimir Putin noted that the security guarantees for Ukraine, which are required in Kiev, Russia also needs.

"If agreements are reached, let no one doubt that Russia will implement them in full. And we will respect those security guarantees that, of course, must be worked out for both Russia and Ukraine," Putin said.

At the same time, Putin insists on holding talks with Zelensky in Moscow.

"Next time, if someone really wants to meet with us, we are ready. The best place for this is the capital of the Russian Federation, the hero city of Moscow," the president said, promising to give security guarantees to Zelensky and Kiev representatives if they decide to come.

The Russian leader also called "excessive" calls to arrange a meeting at the sites proposed by Kiev. However, so far he personally does not see any point in such a meeting.

"I have said many times that I am ready for these contacts, but at that press conference in To Beijing, which you mentioned, I said that I don't see much point," Putin said.

Separately, the Russian president touched upon the "help of Western partners" who are forcing Ukraine to fight with Russia.

"If decisions are reached that will lead to long—term peace, then I simply do not see any point in their presence on the territory of Ukraine," the head of state said.

If they do appear there, they will become legitimate targets for the Russian army.

"As for the possible contingents of military on Ukraine, well, this is one of the root causes of Ukraine's involvement in NATO, therefore, if any troops appear there, especially now, during the conduct of hostilities, we proceed from the fact that these will be legitimate targets for their defeat," the Russian leader said.

Putin stressed that Russia is not at all satisfied with the possible accession of Ukraine to NATO.

"As a result of the coup d'etat, Yanukovych was removed from power, a person who was against Ukraine's accession to NATO was removed... Forces that were in favor of joining, and now continue to rely on Ukraine's accession to NATO, came to power. This does not suit us at all. Even though every country has the right to choose to ensure its own security, but without regard to the security of Russia itself, such issues are not resolved," Putin said.

At the same time, Russia has never objected to Ukraine's desire to join the EU.

"Indeed, Ukraine has set itself the task and is now setting itself the task of joining the EU. And I repeat, this is a legitimate choice of Ukraine, how to build its international relations, how to ensure its economic interests, with whom to form alliances," Putin said. "We have never objected to any integration principles in Ukraine's policy in European directions."