Photo: EPA
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he believes there is a chance to end the war against Ukraine and argued that the conflict should ultimately be resolved by Russia and Ukraine as its direct participants.
Putin made the statement on September 3 during the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia.
According to the Kremlin leader, other countries are also willing to contribute to a settlement. He singled out China, saying Beijing “constantly draws attention to this issue” and is working to help resolve it.
“But ultimately, and above all, this problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict: Russia and Ukraine. This is the right approach. We are grateful to everyone trying to contribute to resolving this issue. Is there a chance? Yes, in my opinion, there is,” Putin said.
At the same time, he claimed that attacks on Russian vessels and alleged threats against civilian aircraft were making peace negotiations more difficult.
Putin called such actions “state terrorism” and said those who remain silent about them become “accomplices in international terrorism.” He said he was referring primarily to Ukraine’s Western allies.
The statement came after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned international airlines, insurers and countries still using major Russian airports that Russia’s airspace was becoming increasingly dangerous because of the war and the growing presence of Ukrainian drones.
Ukraine’s Infrastructure Minister Mykola Kalashnyk subsequently called on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to prohibit civilian flights over Russia, citing Ukraine’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Putin also sought to reassure Russians about the possibility of another mobilization campaign. He said there is currently no need for a new mobilization, dismissing reports to the contrary and claiming that Russians are continuing to join the armed forces voluntarily.
Ukraine has repeatedly warned about Russia’s military preparations while continuing to face large-scale Russian attacks.
Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding Russian airspace has already affected the country’s aviation sector. Shares of Russian airlines fell, with Aeroflot stock declining by more than 5%, while several Russian airports, including those in Moscow, suspended operations for a second consecutive night.
