Russian President Vladimir Putin participates this Thursday (14) in an annual press conference, where he answers questions from journalists from around the world. During the interview, Putin said he hopes to reach an agreement with the United States for the release of two American prisoners.
Journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan were arrested on espionage charges.
Asked about the two men’s cases by a New York Times reporter, Putin said: “We want to reach an agreement, and these agreements must be mutually acceptable and must suit both parties.”
He also said that Russia has ongoing contacts with the United States on the issue.
“It’s not simple, I won’t go into details now, but in general, it seems like we speak a language that is understandable to both sides. I hope we find a solution. But, I repeat, the American side must listen to us and make an appropriate decision that suits the Russian side.”
Russia arrested American journalist Evan Gershkovic on espionage charges in March this year. Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal newspaper (which he worked for) and the White House denied the accusations and said that the journalist had no relationship with the American government.
Navy veteran Paul Whelan has been in prison since 2018. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison for spying for Russia for the United States in 2020. Whelan and the US government deny this.
The United States considers the arrests unfair and tries to negotiate with the Russians. Earlier this month, the US State Department said Russia had rejected a substantial new proposal for the release of detainees.
War in Ukraine
During the interview, Putin said he would continue the war in Ukraine unless Kiev reached a deal that took into account Moscow’s security concerns, adding that the objectives of the “special military operation” would in any case be achieved. .
Responding to questions from the public and media at a war-dominated event, Putin – who announced he will seek another six-year presidential term in March – said his original goals in Ukraine had not changed and that Russian forces were improving their position throughout most of the front line.
Russia’s main objectives remain “denazification”, “demilitarization” and ensuring Ukraine’s neutrality, according to him.
“There will be peace when we achieve our goals,” said the 71-year-old leader.
“As for demilitarization, if they (the Ukrainians) don’t want to reach an agreement – well, then we will be forced to take other measures, including military ones.”
“Either we come to an agreement, we agree on certain parameters (about the size and strength of Ukraine’s military) or we resolve this by force. This is what we will strive for,” Putin said.
Source: CNN Brasil
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