QUOTES - Putin on a ceasefire, Western companies and Gas
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, said on Thursday
Russia agreed
The U.S. has proposed a ceasefire for Ukraine, but any such ceasefire must address the root causes of conflict. Many details need to be worked out.
Reporters have translated the following key quotes from Russian.
On the CEASEFIRE DEAL
We agree with the proposals for a cessation of hostilities. We are based on the idea that a cessation of hostilities should lead to a long-term peace, and eliminate the causes that led to this crisis.
"The idea is correct and we support it." We need to talk about certain issues. We should also talk to our American counterparts, I believe. I could call President Trump to have a conversation with him. We support the idea that this conflict can be resolved peacefully.
The risks of re-arming Ukraine
"Russian forces are making progress in nearly all parts of the front..." How will you use these 30 days? For the forced mobilization in Ukraine to continue, for weapons and training to be delivered, for newly mobilised units to receive training ?... How will we ensure that this will not happen? How will the control system be organized?
These are serious questions. Who will order the ceasefire ?...? Who will decide where and who violates a possible ceasefire for 2,000 km?
On the possible return of western companies to Russia:
We did not exclude anyone or close ourselves to anyone. We welcome all companies who wish to return. (Putin uses the English word welcome.
"But we will naturally proceed from the current situation." Niches will be occupied if they are already occupied. We won't create preferences to encourage anyone to return to the market."
ENERGY COLLABORATION:
"If the U.S., for example, and Russia agreed on energy cooperation, then a gas pipe to Europe could be built." This will be beneficial to Europe because it will get cheap Russian gas." Reporting by Lucy Papachristou; compilation by Darya Korsunskaya and Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Guy Faulconbridge
(source: Reuters)
