Russia’s ‘Special Military Op’ in Ukraine Aimed at Long-Lasting Peace, Putin Says
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Long-lasting peace and protection of rights of the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine must be the core result of Russia’s “special military operation”, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
Speaing in an interview with VGTRK journalist Pavel Zarubin, Putin said Russia has ample forces to complete the "special military operation" and reach the designated objectives.
"The objectives are about the elimination of the original causes of this crisis, the formation of conditions for the long-lasting and sustainable peace and the provision of security to Russia," he stated, TASS reported.
The Russian president added that it also goes "for people residing on these territories and considering the Russian language to be their native tongue and Russia as their homeland."
The Russian Foreign Ministry reported earlier that on March 17, a phone conversation between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was held at the initiative of the American side.
The top Russian diplomat "acknowledged the constructive role played by the United States in encouraging Kiev to finally accept President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to resume negotiations in Istanbul" and "reiterated Moscow’s willingness to continue working with US colleagues in this context."
On May 16, talks were held between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey’s Istanbul. Following the meeting, Moscow and Kiev agreed to swap the prisoners of war under a "1,000 for 1,000" formula, present their concept of the potential future ceasefire, outlining it in detail, as well as continue the negotiation process. Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky who led the Russian delegation at the Istanbul talks said that the Russian side was satisfied with the negotiations’ outcome.
