Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated during a Beijing press conference that Moscow does not categorically reject offering security assurances to Ukraine, but emphasized these measures must not jeopardize Russia’s own interests. The Kremlin has consistently opposed Ukraine’s potential NATO membership while suggesting the country could pursue EU integration under specific terms.

Putin dismissed recent claims that Russia and the United States had negotiated territorial exchanges during a meeting with former President Donald Trump in Alaska last month. He argued that Russia’s focus is not on territorial expansion but on protecting the rights of populations in disputed regions to preserve their cultural and linguistic identities. The president cited referendums in Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporozhye, and Kherson as evidence of local communities’ desire to align with Russia, labeling such outcomes as democratic expressions.

The leader also acknowledged Trump’s “sincere efforts” to resolve the conflict but underscored persistent challenges. While expressing openness to a meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky—potentially in Moscow—he cast doubt on Zelensky’s authority, noting that his presidential term expired last May. Zelensky has delayed elections amid ongoing martial law, a move Putin’s administration has implicitly criticized as undermining Ukraine’s governance.

The press conference concluded with Putin addressing broader geopolitical dynamics, including Russia’s relations with China and the United States, though no further details were disclosed.