The Kremlin published a few answers by Russian President Vladimir Putin to questions from the media during his Sept. 25 visit to St. Petersburg. The first was about whether or not “the trilateral format negotiations of Russia, the United States and Ukraine could resume,” now that Russia’s State Duma elections are over.
Putin was biting in his response: “On the night of September 20, that is, on the main voting day, a massive strike was launched against Moscow. More than 1,600 drones entered the area near Moscow… Strikes were carried out on polling stations… I think everyone remembers the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum being held, when the Ukrainian authorities targeted St. Petersburg, hitting the so-called coal harbor in the port and setting it on fire… In addition, they tried to organize a naval blockade of our Black Sea coast. They damaged over 100 ships, 100 vessels, including both Russian ones and those flying foreign flags…
“Well, it appears that the retaliatory actions by the Russian Armed Forces have been so sensitive and devastating for the enemy that they are now once again actively raising the issue of a ceasefire across several areas… They want us to stop the strikes by Geran drones—modern Gerans—against which, there are no countermeasures or an antidote, at least now, and to lift the blockade of their Black Sea coast. However, they are the ones who started it all. They started it on every single point.
“What is this, child’s play? Is this some kind of a children’s game?... But after everything they have done, we will think twice about what we need to do in response.”
A second question addressed the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in China. “As is known, negotiations between the President of China and the President of the United States are currently underway in the United States. What do you think about this? Are you jealous? Are you planning to attend the APEC summit in China, where a trilateral meeting can be held?”
Putin dismissed the reference to jealousy, saying “I do not think such categories are applicable in international politics. We welcome the negotiations between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. Why? Because these are the two largest economies in the world, and depending on the outcome of their negotiations on the contentious issues, the controversial issues stemming from the US-imposed illegitimate sanctions, and what kind of agreements are reached, this will affect the entire global economy, including our economy… The overall development of international economic relations is of great importance. Therefore, we welcome any positive agreements between China and the United States.”
As for attending the APEC summit, Putin said: “We still need to make a final decision. Everything will depend on the situation in the country, in our country… But overall, this is a major and serious event, and I have received an invitation. I believe it will be useful to work on such a platform. I have told President Xi Jinping about this. I am inclined to take part in that event. However, as I have said, this will ultimately depend on the situation in Russia.”
