In a statement to Russian state channel Rossiya 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin made evaluations about Ukraine’s possible NATO membership and the grain agreement that will expire on 17 July.
Emphasizing that long-range missiles delivered to Ukraine damaged them, but they did not create a critical change in the conflict zone, Putin said, “The same is true for foreign tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. As of last night, we have destroyed 311 tanks since July 4 alone, and a significant number of them, I think at least a third, are Western-made, including Leopard tanks.” he said.
Explaining that Ukrainian soldiers often refuse to even get on Western-made tanks, Putin said, “Why? They are destroyed above all in the conflict zone, as they are the primary target for our men. They burn like the others, even better than the famous Soviet-made T-72 tanks.” said.
Underlining that new arms shipments will only aggravate the situation for Ukraine and exacerbate the conflict, Putin said that there are those who benefit from this situation.
UKRAINE’S POSSIBLE NATO MEMBERSHIP
Emphasizing that Ukraine’s possible membership to NATO would pose a threat to Russia’s security, Putin said, “Actually, one of the reasons for the special military operation is the threat of Ukraine joining NATO.” used the phrase.
Sharing his opinion that NATO membership will not contribute to Ukraine’s security, Putin said, “I am confident that this will not increase Ukraine’s security and will make the world in general much more vulnerable and cause additional tension in the international arena. Therefore, I don’t see anything good in that.” he said.
Stating that Ukraine has the right to ensure its own security, Putin said, “There is only one limitation. While ensuring the security of one country, the security of another country should not be endangered. So there is nothing unusual for us at the moment in what both NATO and the G7 have announced, and we are not against consultation on such matters. But I repeat once again, provided that the security of Russia is ensured as a necessary condition.” made its assessment.
GRAIN AGREEMENT
Pointing out that the conditions in the grain agreement signed to ensure the export of Ukrainian grain were not implemented, Putin said, “In this agreement with the United Nations, Russian interests had to be taken into account. Logistics, insurance, cash flow related to the payment of our products and many other points. I want to emphasize that, nothing was done. This is a completely one-sided game. But enough is enough.” said.
Putin stated that despite the situation in question, they have repeatedly extended the agreement of their own will.
Noting that Russia can end its participation in the agreement, Putin said, “If everyone repeats that all the promises made to us will be fulfilled, let them fulfill these promises. We will join this agreement immediately. The option to extend first, then fulfill promises is no longer suitable for Russia. Let the fulfillment of commitments come first, followed by our participation.” used the phrases.
Putin said he had not yet seen the letter reportedly sent by the United Nations to Russia, that the agreement was still a few days away and they would consider what to do.
AA