Ahead of China trip, Putin says willing to negotiate on Ukraine
Vladimir Putin says the Kremlin is prepared to negotiate over the conflict in Ukraine, in an interview with Chinese media on the eve of visit to partner Beijing that has backed Moscow in its full-scale invasion of its neighbour.
«We are open to a dialogue on Ukraine, but such negotiations must take into account the interests of all countries involved in the conflict, including ours,» Putin was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency on Wednesday.
The Russian leader's two-day trip from Thursday comes as his country's forces have pressed an offensive in northeastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region that began last week in the most vital border incursion since the full-scale invasion began, forcing almost 8,000 people to flee their homes.
Along with Moscow's efforts to build on its gains in the nearby Donetsk region, the 2-year-old war has entered a critical stage for Ukraine's depleted military that is awaiting new supplies of anti-aircraft missiles and artillery shells from the United States.
«We have never refused to negotiate,» Putin was quoted as saying by Xinhua. «We are seeking a comprehensive, sustainable and just settlement of this conflict through peaceful means. We are open to a dialogue on Ukraine, but such negotiations must take into account the interests of all countries involved in the conflict, including ours.»
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said any negotiations must include a restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, the
