“Of course, we ultimately want to come to an agreement with Ukraine. But right now it’s practically impossible, legally impossible. Let those who can and want to negotiate with them do so”, said the Russian leader at a press conference at the end of the summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) held in the Kyrgyz capital.

Putin clarified that Moscow insists on international recognition of the provisions of the future agreement by major global players, and stressed the importance of Russia legally enshrining any decision taken.

He also indicated that the head of the government of the Ukrainian president, Vladimir Zelenski, is illegitimate and cannot sign documents.

The Russian leader also mentioned that the condition for the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine is the unconditional withdrawal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from the territories they occupy, which are enshrined in the constitution of the Russian Federation.

Putin reiterated that Ukrainian troops will withdraw from the territories they occupy and then cease fighting. “If they do not withdraw, we will do so by force,” he said.

The Russian leader assured that the CSTO countries will continue to conduct “joint exercises in all areas”, both among the Armed Forces and at the level of special services.

Putin is in the Kyrgyz capital on a state visit from November 25-27, during which he held talks with his counterparts from Kyrgyzstan, Sadir Zhaparov, and Belarus, Alexandr Lukashenko, as well as participating in the CSTO summit.

abo/mem/gfa