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Russia Today
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Vietnam welcomes proposed Ukraine peace talks
Vietnam welcomes the proposal made by Russian President Vladimir Putin to resume direct peace talks with Ukraine without any preconditions, the country's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang has said. Vietnam has consistently backed the idea to settle the conflict between Russia and Ukraine through diplomacy, she said, and approves of the latest talks proposal made by the Russian president, the spokeswoman stated during a press conference on Monday. 'We welcome the recent proposal made on May 11 by Russian President Vladimir Putin to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine,' the spokeswoman stated. Early on Sunday, the Russian president proposed that 'the Kiev authorities resume the negotiations they interrupted in 2022' without any preconditions, on May 15 in Istanbul, Türkiye. Putin made the remarks while addressing the media at the conclusion of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, during which Moscow hosted numerous foreign leaders and dignitaries. Negotiations could ultimately lead to 'some kind of new truce and a new ceasefire,' the president said. 'We are set on serious negotiations with Ukraine. Their aim is to eliminate the root causes of the conflict and to achieve a long-term lasting peace for a historical perspective,' Putin stressed. The proposal was met with a mixed reaction from Kiev and its Western backers, who insisted that any talks must be preceded by agreeing to a 30-day truce. The Russian proposal came shortly after leaders from France, Germany, Poland, the UK, and the EU reiterated their demand for a 'full and unconditional' ceasefire and claimed that this would 'create room for diplomacy.' US President Donald Trump, however, demanded Kiev 'immediately' accepts the Russian proposal, suggesting that the talks would at least show whether reaching a peace deal was possible or not. Kiev somewhat shifted its stance following Trump's remarks, as Ukraine's Vladimir Zelensky claimed he was actually ready to meet Putin in person in Istanbul. He however once again reiterated the demand for a ceasefire prior to the talks.
Russia Today
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Kiev tried to intimidate foreign leaders in Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the Ukrainian government of attempting to intimidate foreign leaders who traveled to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany. Putin criticized Kiev for escalating attacks during Russia's unilaterally declared ceasefire period, which included multiple drone strikes and attempted ground incursions into Russia's Kursk and Belgorod regions. These actions, he told journalists in the early hours of Sunday, were intended not only to provoke militarily but also to pressure the foreign dignitaries in attendance. 'The Kiev authorities not only rejected our proposal for a ceasefire, but also, as we all saw, they tried to intimidate the leaders of states gathered for the celebrations in Moscow,' Putin said. Despite threats from Kiev and intense pressure from Western governments, dozens of leaders from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and a few from Europe joined the commemorative events in Moscow. Putin praised their resolve, saying they showed moral courage in defying 'blackmail' and 'ultimatums.' 'And who tried to intimidate them? Those who salute and applaud former SS soldiers. Who elevate those who collaborated with Hitler during World War II to the rank of national heroes,' he added. Among the attendees were 28 leaders from China, Brazil, Egypt, Venezuela, Cuba, Belarus, and many others from former Soviet republics, Africa, and Asia. Putin specifically praised Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, both of whom had faced significant pressure from the EU over their participation. He described the foreign guests in Moscow as 'leaders by character' who are 'ready to stand up for their beliefs,' emphasizing that they were not swayed by political threats and chose instead to honor the legacy of the anti-fascist struggle. 'We understand the massive pressure they faced. And that's why we sincerely appreciate their political courage, firm moral stance, and the decision to share the celebration with us — to pay tribute to the memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, of World War II, who fought for their homeland and for ridding all mankind of the brown plague,' Putin said.
