Territorial Exchanges and European Security: Russia’s Position

A very important question: Russia currently controls a significant part of the territory of Kharkiv and other regions.

Was the exchange of these territories discussed during the negotiations, and for which territories?

The topic of possible territorial exchanges is periodically floated by various sides.

Let me remind you of the history. After Ukraine's incursion into the Kursk region, a decision was made, as our president has said more than once, to create a security zone along the border with the Russian Federation.

This zone is now quite substantial, and it is expanding, and it will keep expanding.

I see no possibility of exchanging these territories.

Because, again, as our leader put it so aptly, wherever the foot of our Russian soldier has set, that is ours.

And as, in fact, the whole history of Russia has shown, Every time we showed a willingness to make concessions, to make compromises that were unfavorable to us, to make a show of peacefulness and compliance, each time we did that,

when, to avoid some hardships, as we saw it, we took steps toward our opponents, in the end, what happened was that we faced even greater hardships.

Well, as they say, we got war, and disgrace.

But whenever Russia showed steadfastness and confidence in its own strength, in the end, all hardships were overcome, and a time of lasting peace began, of tranquility and development, for us and for our neighbors.

So wherever the Russian flag has been raised, it must not be lowered.

The task is something else, and we spoke about it today.

The task is to create a comprehensive security system in Europe, that will become a new, modern-day Yalta and Potsdam, imbued with the spirit of Helsinki '75, and that will meet the new realities of today, that will be fair.

If we manage to create such a security system, then we will ensure peace in Europe for decades, perhaps even centuries.

That is our main task. At the very beginning of our meeting, you said some very cautious and important words, that we would try to move closer to achieving peace.

Have we moved closer?

I think so. I think so. But right now, a great deal depends on all the parties involved in the process.

A great deal depends on Ukraine, on the position of the United States, and on whether Europe comes to its senses.

In any case, all the goals we set will be achieved.

Thank you so much. Are you satisfied? I’ll only be there when we win and sign a peace agreement on our terms.