MOSCOW, Sept. 5– Ukraine’s security cannot be addressed without considering Russia’s security, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday.
“Despite the fact that each country has the right to choose how to ensure its own security, such issues cannot be resolved without regard for Russia’s own security,” Putin said when answering questions at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).
The Russian leader warned that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be legitimate targets for the Russian army. Speaking about potential contacts with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Putin said that “it will be practically impossible” to reach agreements with Ukraine on key issues.
“Even if there is political will — which I doubt — there are legal and technical difficulties,” he said. Following his China visit, Putin traveled to Russia’s far eastern port city of Vladivostok to attend the 10th EEF, which ends on Saturday. (Xinhua)
