Russian President Putin stated on the 1st that Russia looks forward to continuing dialogue with Ukraine. If the Ukrainian side currently deems it unnecessary to engage with Russia, the Russian side is also willing to patiently wait.
After meeting with visiting Belarusian President Lukashenko on Valaam Island, he told the media that Russia-Ukraine negotiations are necessary and important, and dialogue is needed to resolve issues peacefully. Previous talks between Russia and Ukraine had yielded positive results, with both sides exchanging the remains of fallen soldiers and swapping prisoners of war.
He stated that the Ukrainian side gave a positive response to Russia's proposal to form a dedicated working group, but this mechanism has yet to begin substantial operations.
Putin also reiterated that Russia's main goals on the Ukraine issue have not changed, and the most important thing is to eliminate the root causes of the current crisis.
He indicated that the objectives and conditions he put forward at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs meeting in June 2024 on the Ukraine issue remain valid.
He pointed out that the Ukrainian delegation believes it is necessary to discuss the security of both Russia and Ukraine within the framework of European collective security. The Russian side generally considers this correct and agrees with such an approach. Both Russia and Ukraine need long-lasting and stable peace, and all issues, including humanitarian ones, should be discussed together and form the basis of lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine.
"Hazel" Missiles to Be Deployed in Belarus
Additionally, Putin stated that Russia's latest hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile, the "Hazel," has completed production of its first mass-produced set and has been delivered to the troops.
He noted that the leaders of Russia and Belarus discussed plans to deploy "Hazel" missile complexes in Belarus. Military experts from both countries have already selected the deployment sites for the "Hazel" missile system and are currently carrying out relevant preparations.
In November last year, Putin announced the successful test launch of the "Hazel" missile and ordered the organization of mass production.