Russian President Vladimir Putin announced today, Tuesday, that Russia is ready to enter discussions with Ukraine, the United States, and Europe regarding Ukraine's future if they wish to do so, but Moscow will defend its national interests. Putin, who sent troops to Ukraine in 2022, has repeatedly stated he is willing to talk about peace, although Western officials claim he is waiting for the U.S. presidential elections scheduled for November before making a genuine effort.
**Russian Interests**
During a meeting with defense leaders in Moscow, Putin said, "In Ukraine, do those who are acting aggressively towards Russia, in Europe and the United States, wish to negotiate? Let them (do so). But we will negotiate in a way that benefits our national interests." He clarified, "We will not give up what we have," adding that Russia does not intend to fight with Europe. Russia has controlled about 17.5% of the territories internationally recognized as part of Ukraine since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and claimed last year that the four additional regions in Ukraine, partially controlled by its forces, are part of Russia, while Kyiv insists it will not rest until the last Russian soldier is expelled from Ukraine.
**Russia in the War**
Putin spoke at a defense ministry meeting attended by top military leaders, including Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of General Staff General Valery Gerasimov. He stated that Russian forces now have the initiative on the battlefield. He added, "We will not give up the goals of the special military operation," but mentioned that Russia needs to improve military communications, reconnaissance, targeting, and satellite capabilities. He noted that the Russian defense industry is responding faster than its Western counterparts and that Russia will continue to develop its nuclear forces and maintain high combat readiness.
Shoigu reported that Russia's tank production has increased by 5.6 times since February 2022, drone production by 16.8 times, and artillery shells by 17.5 times. He added that Russia has recruited 490,000 soldiers through contracts and volunteering in 2023, and next year, Russia will aim to increase the number of contracted soldiers to 745,000. He continued that Russian forces have laid mines over an area of 7,000 square kilometers in Ukraine, some up to 600 meters wide, along with 1.5 million anti-tank barriers and 2,000 kilometers of tank movement-denying trenches. Putin stated that Ukraine's membership in NATO is "unacceptable for Russia in 10 years nor in 20 years."
