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ASTANA – Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday there was no need for a large-scale new attack on Ukraine and that Russia does not intend to destroy the country.
At a press conference after the summit in Kazakhstan, Putin said the call-up of the Russian reserve forces would end within two weeks and there were no plans to mobilize further.
He also said international mediation would be required if Ukraine was ready to join, but reiterated the Kremlin’s position that Russia was willing to negotiate.
Taken together, Putin’s comments seemed to suggest that his tone softened slightly as the war neared its eight-month end.
But Putin, who said he was prepared to use nuclear weapons to protect Russia’s “territorial integrity”, also warned of a “global catastrophe” if NATO forces clashed directly with Russia.
He said a week after Russia launched its heaviest missile strikes against Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities since it launched its invasion on February 24. Crimea.
“We have not set ourselves the task of destroying Ukraine. No, of course not,” Putin said.
He said there was “no need for a large-scale attack” as most of the designated targets were hit.
Asked if he had any regrets, Putin said “no” and said his inaction in Ukraine was even worse.
“Let me be clear, what’s happening today is uncomfortable to say the least, but it would have happened a little later. It would have been worse. That’s it.” Acting in a timely manner. ”
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