Four regions and no NATO

Four regions and no NATO
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full screenVladimir Putin speaks during Friday’s meeting at the Russian Foreign Ministry. Photo: Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP/TT

Russian President Vladimir Putin promises a ceasefire in Ukraine – if Kiev withdraws its forces from the four Russian-occupied regions and drops plans for NATO membership.

As soon as Ukraine says it is ready to do this, Russia will “immediately” stop shooting and start talking, Putin claims.

The revelation comes in a speech during a meeting with Russian diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow. Ukraine has previously consistently rejected giving up parts of its territory to Russia.

In his speech, Putin also accuses the West of “theft” of frozen Russian assets abroad. The measures will not go unpunished, he claims.

During Thursday’s G7 meeting in Italy, the participants agreed on new loans of around SEK 50 billion to Ukraine – a loan to be financed with the help of profits from frozen Russian assets.

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