Putin: Russia’s participation in the deal could end

Speaking to Russia’s state channel Rossiya 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin made assessments of Ukraine’s possible NATO membership and the grain deal that is set to expire on July 17.

Emphasizing that the long-range missiles launched into Ukraine damaged them, but did not create a critical change in the conflict zone, Putin said: “The same is true for foreign tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. As of last night, we have destroyed 311 tanks since July 4 alone, and a significant number of them, I think at least a third, are Western-made, including Leopard tanks.” he said.

Explaining that Ukrainian soldiers often refuse even to get on Western-made tanks, Putin said: “Why? They are destroyed above all in the conflict zone, since they are the main objective of our men. They burn like the others, even better than the famous Soviet-made T-72 tanks.” saying.

Underlining that the new arms shipments will only aggravate the situation in Ukraine and exacerbate the conflict, Putin said that there are those who benefit from this situation.

POSSIBLE AFFILIATION OF UKRAINE TO NATO

Emphasizing that Ukraine’s possible NATO membership would pose a threat to Russia’s security, Putin said: “Actually, one of the reasons for the special military operation is the threat of Ukraine joining NATO.” he used the phrase.

Sharing his opinion that NATO membership will not contribute to Ukraine’s security, Putin said: “I am sure that this will not increase the security of Ukraine and will make the world in general much more vulnerable and cause additional tension in the international arena. Therefore, I don’t see anything good in that.” he said.

Stating that Ukraine has the right to guarantee its own security, Putin said: “There is only one limitation. While the security of one country is guaranteed, the security of another country must not be endangered. So there is nothing unusual for us at this point in what both NATO and the G7 have announced, and we are not against consultation on these matters. But I repeat once again, as long as the security of Russia is guaranteed as a necessary condition.” he performed the assessment of it.

“THIS IS A TOTALLY ONE-SIDED GAME BUT ENOUGH NOW”

Pointing out that the conditions in the signed grain agreement to guarantee the export of Ukrainian grains were not implemented, Putin said: “In this agreement with the United Nations, Russian interests had to be taken into account. Logistics, insurance, cash flow related to the payment of our products and many more points. I want to emphasize that nothing was done. This is a completely one-sided game. But that’s enough.” saying.

Putin stated that despite the situation at hand, they have repeatedly extended the agreement of their own free will.

Noting that Russia may end its participation in the deal, Putin said: “If everyone repeats that all the promises they made to us will be kept, let them keep these promises. We will join this agreement immediately. The option to extend first and then fulfill the promises is no longer suitable for Russia. That the fulfillment of the commitments comes first, followed by our participation”. he used the phrases.

Putin said he had not yet seen the letter supposedly sent by the United Nations to Russia, that the deal was still a few days away, and that they would consider what to do. AA