"We are determined...": Putin discussed a ceasefire, but it came with some ultimatums.

The President of Russia Vladimir Putin spoke at a meeting of the International Discussion Club "Valdai," making further statements regarding Ukraine. In his address, he discussed the ceasefire, the neutrality of our country, and the conditions for recognizing its borders.

The Kremlin leader also made several remarks about potential negotiations and the situation on the front lines. "Telegraf" has compiled the key points from Putin's speech at the club meeting.

According to him, Russia recognized Ukraine's borders after the collapse of the USSR only considering its neutral status.

Putin emphasized that without Ukraine's neutrality, good neighborly relations are unattainable. In his view, a neutral status is a guarantee that Ukraine will not be used against Russia.

Main Points from Putin's Speech

• "We have never supported and do not support coups, including in Ukraine."
• "Russia recognized Ukraine's borders, taking into account its neutral status."
• "If there is no neutrality for Ukraine, it is hard to imagine any good neighborly relations."
• "The presence of neutrality in Kyiv is a guarantee that Ukraine will not again become a tool for third countries against Russia."
• "That's not what we agreed on" — regarding Ukraine's desire to join NATO.
• "Where have we violated the UN Charter? Nowhere."
• "Donbass and Novorossiya had the right to decide on their sovereignty from Ukraine; this is in line with the UN Charter."
• "We are focused on creating conditions for a long-term settlement so that Ukraine becomes an independent, sovereign state."
• "Kyiv was ordered from across the ocean to hold on in the Kursk region at all costs until the US presidential elections."
• "Kyiv has lost over 30,000 soldiers in the Kursk region."
• "Russia is ready for peaceful negotiations on Ukraine, but not based on Kyiv's 'wants,' but on the 'Istanbul' framework and today's realities."
• "What Ukraine needs is not a ceasefire 'for half an hour or half a year,' but conditions for a long-term settlement."
• "What is lacking in Europe? There is a lack of brains!"
• "Russia is following its own path and will not deviate from it, but it does not reject integration."

Recall that earlier, "Telegraf" reported that Putin congratulated Trump on his election victory. At the same time, Putin explained that he does not make phone calls himself because Western leaders have stopped calling him.