Harbin, China — Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking during a visit to China, attributed the ongoing Russian offensive in northeastern Ukraine to retaliatory measures against Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory.
He emphasized that Moscow currently has no plans to capture Kharkiv, a major Ukrainian city, despite advancing forces in the region.
During a press conference in Harbin, Putin declared, “I publicly stated that if this continues, we would be forced to create buffer zones for security, a sanitary zone. And that is what we are doing.”
He criticized Ukrainian actions, stating, “What is happening in the direction of Kharkiv is their mistake because they bombed and continue to bomb residential areas in Russian border territories, including Belgorod,” as reported by AFP.
Belgorod Oblast, along with its capital city, has been subjected to almost daily strikes and drone attacks. Kyiv asserts that these actions are in retaliation for Russian bombings in Ukraine.
Putin confirmed that Russian forces, which launched a surprise offensive on May 10, are making daily advances in the Kharkiv region according to plan, reported AFP.
This operation widened the front at a time when Ukrainian forces were on the defensive in both eastern and southern Ukraine due to shortages of personnel and ammunition.
The surprise offensive has resulted in Moscow’s most significant territorial gains since late 2022, forcing Kyiv to shift reinforcements from other frontline areas.
Regarding the prospects of negotiations with Ukraine, Putin remarked that there are no current discussions, stating through TASS, “If Ukraine does not want to negotiate, it should not.
There is no subjunctive in politics. ‘If?’ – We won’t go on, you know what would happen in other cases. But there is no ‘if’ they don’t invite us. Moreover, they say they don’t see us there. If they don’t see us, they don’t see us.”
Putin also took the opportunity to advocate for a strengthened multipolar world order. “Of course, it is necessary to strengthen the emerging multipolar world,” he told Russian journalists.
“Everyone perfectly understands this; they are aware of it. It is important that those who try to maintain their monopoly on decision-making in the world realize this and ensure that this process is natural, peaceful, and conflict-free.”
Additionally, Putin criticized the recent US-imposed tariffs on Chinese electric cars, calling them unfair competition.
According to Reuters, he argued that the tariffs were implemented because Chinese electric cars are superior.
This week, Washington increased tariffs on $18 billion worth of Chinese goods, including electric cars, batteries, semiconductors, steel, aluminum, critical materials, solar cells, and medical products.
The existing tariffs on over $300 billion worth of goods from the Trump administration remain in place. Putin also highlighted that US sanctions are eroding confidence in the dollar, as reported by Reuters.
Furthermore, he noted the collaboration between Russian and Chinese satellite systems, which he claimed enhances transportation efficiency, reduces service costs, and conserves energy.
Putin’s statements underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics at play as Moscow continues its military operations in Ukraine while simultaneously pushing for a broader multipolar world order and strengthening its strategic partnership with China.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our staff editorial members