Putin denies bombing Ukrainian cities, says ready for talks if demands are met

Ukraine war: Putin’s remarks came during a phone conversation with the German Chancellor.

Moscow:

Russian President Vladimir Putin denied in a phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that Russian forces were bombing Ukrainian cities, the Kremlin said on Friday, dismissing such information as fake.

The Kremlin said in a statement: “With regard to the alleged airstrikes in Kyiv and other major cities, Putin said that this blatant propaganda is fake.”

He said talks on Ukraine would be possible only when Russia’s demands were met.

“Putin reaffirmed that Russia is open to dialogue with the Ukrainian side as well as all those seeking peace in Ukraine. But under the condition that all Russian demands are met,” the Kremlin said.

These include Ukraine’s neutral and non-nuclear status, its “denial”, recognition of Crimea as part of Russia, and the “sovereignty” of separatist territories in eastern Ukraine.

“It was hoped that during the planned third round of talks, Kyiv’s representatives would take an appropriate and constructive stance,” the Kremlin said.

According to one of the negotiators from Kyiv, the next meeting of the delegations of Russia and Ukraine is expected during the weekend.

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