Reuters. There are no scenarios in which Russia would need to order a new mobilization for the war in Ukraine because it has no problems with the availability of military personnel, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday (September 3).
Putin had already dismissed speculation about a new mobilization earlier this week, calling such reports "utter nonsense" and an "information attack" against Russia.
Vladimir Putin also said that Moscow maintained contacts with the U.S. administration and remained in favour of restoring its relationship with Washington.
Putin said he felt his American counterpart Donald Trump was ready for "positive and constructive work."
The Russian President pointed out the two countries continued contacts through special services and via Trump's special envoys.
Vladimir Putin believes there is a chance for a settlement in Ukraine and agreed with Donald Trump that it is Russia and Ukraine that must reach an agreement, while other countries can only support and assist.
"Russia and Ukraine must first and foremost reach an agreement, and all other countries are ready to support them and assist them. And not only the United States, but also the countries present here, the People's Republic of China, for example, constantly draws attention to this and does everything possible to ensure that the problem is resolved, primarily by peaceful means. And President Xi Jinping, when we meet, also constantly raises this issue.
But, in the end, and first and foremost, this problem should be solved between the involved sides - Russia and Ukraine. This is a correct approach. But we are grateful to everyone who is trying to resolve this issue. Is there a chance to do it? In my opinion, yes, there is.
And the fact that you've drawn attention to the hijacking of civilian aircraft, to the attacks on civilian and commercial vessels, and especially now that we've heard about threats of attacks on civilian aircraft—this is, of course, a manifestation of state terrorism, and this complicates, undoubtedly complicates, the possibility of holding bilateral peace negotiations.
Incidentally, those who remain silent, those who ignore this, meaning, first and foremost, Ukraine's Western allies, are becoming accomplices to international terrorism. How could it be otherwise? It's impossible to interpret it any other way.
You know, to what extent they are leading to a peace agreement? It's difficult for me to say right now, given the statements we've heard recently from Ukraine's top officials. But contacts do exist. They continue right now in the current mode, also through the special services, first of all", Putin said.
