Putin Open to Negotiations with Ukraine Amid Rising Military Ties with North Korea
Vladimir Putin has expressed readiness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during what he terms the final phase of negotiations. He downplayed NATO’s rearmament as a threat, while Russia enlists North Korean soldiers and utilizes arms from North Korea and Iran. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy is set to attend the NATO summit in June, and Slovakia investigates alleged misappropriations of military aid to Ukraine.
In a recent round-table interview, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated his willingness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but only during what he referred to as the “final phase” of negotiations. He expressed a desire to resolve the conflict rather than continue what he characterized as endless discussions. In his typical manner, Putin alleged that Zelenskyy does not represent a legitimate Ukrainian leadership.
Putin also commented on NATO, asserting, “We do not consider any NATO rearmament to be a threat to the Russian Federation, because we are self-sufficient in terms of ensuring our security.” Meanwhile, Russia appears to be bolstering its defense capabilities by recruiting thousands of North Korean soldiers, heavily relying on arms supplies from North Korea and Iran, including drones. Furthermore, there are indications that China may also be assisting Russia in maintaining its military operations, which Putin had originally anticipated would conclude within a mere three days.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to participate in the upcoming NATO summit scheduled for June 24-25 in The Hague, as indicated by a source from the Ukrainian presidency. The source described the summit as a crucial opportunity to garner support and advocate for a ceasefire. Reports suggest that NATO leaders are keen to keep discussions concise to avoid irritating former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has previously displayed a short attention span during such gatherings.
On another front, during the G7 summit in Canada, senior Ukrainian officials explored the possibility of collaborating with U.S. counterparts on defense initiatives in Ukraine, focusing on a joint investment fund established in May. Kyiv’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, stated that discussions included U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, emphasizing the importance of continued support.
The aftermath of a recent Russian missile attack on Kyiv has left a stark toll, with reports indicating 28 fatalities and over 130 injuries as recovery efforts persist in the wreckage of damaged apartment buildings. According to the Russian defense ministry, its forces targeted a Ukrainian troop position in the Sumy region using an Iskander missile; however, Reuters has not independently verified these claims or established a timeline for the strikes. For its part, Ukraine is actively working to dislodge Russian troops from Sumy, where intense fighting is ongoing.
In Slovakia, police have detained eight individuals, including officials from the defense ministry, amid an investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office into allegations of misappropriating €7.4 million intended for military assistance to Ukraine. Jaroslav Nad, who served as Slovakia’s defense minister at the time, expressed disdain for the police actions, dubbing them “theatre.” The current Prime Minister, Robert Fico, known for pro-Russian stances, has reversed military support for Ukraine since his 2023 election, which has ignited widespread protest in the country in response to his policies toward Ukraine.
In summary, Putin’s remarks signal a complicated landscape regarding negotiations with Ukraine, amid increased military collaboration with North Korea. As the situation escalates, Zelenskyy seeks support at the upcoming NATO summit. Additionally, the impact of the conflict continues to be felt in Ukraine, where civilian casualties mount, and in Slovakia, where investigations into military aid are underway, underscoring the broader implications of the war.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
