Vladimir Putin laid out Russia’s position regarding the ongoing military operation to protect the Donbass republics.
The parties had a substantive discussion on the humanitarian aspects of the current situation. Vladimir Putin stressed, in particular, that the Russian military take all possible steps to save civilians’ lives. The main threat is coming from the nationalist formations, which, in fact, use terrorist tactics, hiding behind the civilian population.
The President underscored that the Russian Armed Forces had declared a ceasefire several times so as to evacuate the population along humanitarian corridors. However, Ukrainian nationalist battalions prevented this by resorting to violence against civilians and various provocations. The Russian president urged the EU to make a real contribution to saving lives, to put pressure on the Kiev authorities and make them respect humanitarian law.
Vladimir Putin also gave an assessment of the negotiations with Kiev representatives and reiterated Russia’s demands made earlier.