Russian President Vladimir Putin once again confirmed Moscow's readiness for negotiations on Ukraine.
The head of the Russian state made the corresponding statement on November 5 at the ceremony of presenting his credentials.
Putin's statement was quoted by the Kremlin press service .
The Russian President stated that Russia is ready for negotiations on Ukraine, and recalled that at the very beginning of the conflict such negotiations were conducted and even a mutually acceptable agreement was developed.
However, the Ukrainian side – on advice from outside, as stated by Ukrainian officials – rejected this agreement, the head of the Russian state said.
Putin noted that the course taken by a number of Western countries to escalate and prolong the conflict with the aim of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia is deeply mistaken.
According to him, only those who do not know Russia’s history can expect its defeat.
And it does not take into account the unity, strength of spirit and cohesion of the Russian people, ” the Russian president added.