ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, June 4 – Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed topics including the ongoing Ukraine conflict, potential peace negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump, and his possible tenure in office through 2036 during a Thursday meeting with international news agency editors.
The Russian leader met with senior editorial staff from multiple news organizations, including Reuters, in the Russian city of St. Petersburg.
Below are Putin’s statements as provided through Reuters translation.
REGARDING UKRAINE, DONBAS TERRITORY AND PEACE NEGOTIATIONS:
“One does not exclude the other. Controlling the entire Donbas region and making a deal do not contradict each other. Why do you assume that this is in contradiction?”
“Russian troops are advancing along the entire front.” Putin claimed Russian forces now hold more than 85% of the Donetsk region and maintain control over 80% of the Zaporizhzhia region.
“We are certainly ready and willing to reach an agreement with Ukraine by peaceful means. And specifically on the basis that we discussed at the meeting with President Trump in Anchorage. At that time questions were put before Russia so that we could make certain compromises. And Russia agrees to the compromises that we discussed in Anchorage. The Ukrainian side must also agree to these compromises. And the conflict will quickly come to its natural conclusion.”
CONCERNING TRUMP’S PEACE INITIATIVES
“The proposals that were made by President Trump, as I have already said, may well be the basis for peace agreements. Therefore, answering your question, whether the administration acted in the right direction or not, yes, this is a proposal that requires compromise, and compromise for both sides. For Russia, too. And we generally agreed with these compromises. We need to convince the Ukrainian side of this and that’s it. In general, I believe that they can well form the basis of an agreement between Russia and Ukraine and can put an end to this conflict.”
REGARDING REMAINING IN OFFICE UNTIL 2036
When Reuters asked whether he possessed sufficient stamina and health to serve that duration, Putin responded: “Only God knows if we have enough health – for me, for you, and for everyone gathered here, in order to live until tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and even more so to solve some of the tasks we face, to achieve the goals that we set for ourselves.”
Putin, who has held power as either president or prime minister since 1999, noted that constitutional provisions would permit him to seek reelection in 2030 and potentially serve another term concluding in 2036 if victorious.
“Indeed, the Constitution allows me to run in 2030, but I think it’s too early to talk about it. To be honest, it’s very early. I’m not even thinking about it right now. I’m being completely honest. I don’t even think about it,” Putin said.
“The country faces a lot of large-scale and pressing issues. They need to be solved without thinking about it, but thinking about the future of Russia.”
