Beijing, Brasília or New Delhi — those are the capitals Vladimir Putin would consider honest brokers in talks to end the war in Ukraine, the Russian ruler said Thursday.
Speaking at a panel discussion at Russia’s Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin was asked which countries could potentially steer peace negotiations with Ukraine. “First of all, Chinese People’s Republic, Brazil, India. I am in contact with my partners … we have trust and confidence in one another,” Putin said.
He later added: “If there is a desire of Ukraine to carry on with the negotiations, I can do that.”
The comments came after Kyiv indicated it would not engage in direct negotiations with Russia, but is working to build a coalition of intermediaries to help end the war. There is hope in Kyiv that a broad coalition, including some Russia-leaning countries, can push Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace formula and get Moscow to end its long-running aggression.
Putin appeared on the panel in Vladivostok alongside Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.
Han said during the session that “China opposes protectionism, opposes attempts to break [supply] chains, opposes the introduction of unilateral sanctions and increased pressure.”
Meanwhile, Anwar had earlier praised Putin for overseeing Russia’s economic development and pledged to deepen ties with the country. “You have shown your determination to be able to undertake difficulties and survive, and we would certainly benefit from this experience,” Anwar said Thursday in a meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the forum.
Anwar also confirmed Malaysia aims to join the BRICS group of emerging economies, saying that doing so “will allow us to strengthen our relations [with Russia], particularly in the area of trade.”
Initially founded in 2009 to foster closer ties among Russia, China, India and Brazil, the partnership now comprises nine members including Iran, Egypt, South Africa, Ethiopia and the UAE. Saudi Arabia has indicated it’s considering joining the group, while Malaysia and Azerbaijan have formally applied.
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