Russia is Ready for Talks

Ukrinform: Putin claims Russia ready for talks, while “annexed” areas not to be discussed

Russia is ready for peace negotiations with Ukraine but their agenda must not include the “accession” to Russia of the previously captured territories.

This was stated by President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation during his Friday speech during the ceremony in the Kremlin where the "agreements" were signed on the so-called "inclusion" into Russia of the territories of Ukraine captured by Russian troops, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“We call on the Kyiv regime to immediately stop the war, all hostilities, the war it unleashed back in 2014, and return to the negotiating table. We are ready for this. This has been said more than once. But the choice of the people in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson we will not discuss. It has been made, and Russia will not betray it," Putin said.

RT: Russia calls on Kiev to return to negotiations – Putin

Putin has called on Kiev to treat the “free choice” made by the people of the four territories “with respect.”

“That is the only way for peace,” he added.