Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Monday, August 12, that there is no longer a need for peace negotiations with Ukraine, as Ukrainian forces continue to advance into Russian territory, specifically the Kursk region.
During an operational meeting in Moscow, Putin stated, “It seems the enemy, supported by their Western backers, is following orders to improve their negotiating stance. The West is using Ukrainians as proxies in this conflict, and it appears their goal is to strengthen their position for future talks.”
Putin questioned the possibility of negotiations under these circumstances, asking, “What kind of negotiations can we have with those who indiscriminately attack civilians and civilian infrastructure or pose threats to nuclear facilities? What is there to discuss with such parties?”
He further asserted that Ukraine’s incursion aims to halt Moscow’s progress in eastern Ukraine, with Russia’s primary objective being to expel Ukrainian forces from its territory. Putin claimed that Russia’s offensive in eastern Ukraine has intensified by “one and a half times,” with advances being made along the entire front line.
Additionally, Putin suggested that Ukraine’s actions are designed to “create discord and division” within Russian society and to “undermine the unity and cohesion of the Russian people.” He noted a significant increase in casualties among Ukrainian forces, particularly among elite units, and reported a rise in the number of Russians signing contracts with the Defense Ministry.
Last Tuesday, Russia reported that Ukrainian troops, including tanks and armored combat vehicles, attacked its positions near two border settlements in the Kursk region. Since then, Moscow has stated that it has been successfully repelling Ukrainian incursions and countering airstrikes in Kursk and surrounding areas.
On August 7, Putin accused Ukraine of engaging in “large-scale provocation” and “indiscriminate shooting.” In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remarked, “Russia brought the war to our land and should feel the consequences of its actions.”
Tensions further escalated after reports emerged of a fire at a cooling tower of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Moscow blamed Ukraine for shelling the city of Enerhodar, where the plant is located, while Kyiv accused Russia of using the plant to “blackmail Ukraine, all of Europe, and the world.”
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JUST IN: 🇷🇺 🇺🇦 Russian President Putin says there will be no more peace talks with Ukraine.
"What is there to even talk about with those who attack civilians and nuclear facilities?" pic.twitter.com/uugF3zQO9b
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) August 12, 2024