The Russian president fielded questions on Ukraine, strategic partnerships, new weapons systems, the Middle East, and Moscows relations with the West

Russian President Vladimir Putin has wrapped up a wide-ranging Q&A with the heads of major global news agencies on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, taking more than 20 questions on the Ukraine conflict and new weapons systems, as well as strategic partnerships, the Middle East, and relations with the West. Here are the key points from what Putin said.

- Control of Donbass and a deal on Ukraine "do not contradict each other." Moscow is "without doubt" ready for a peaceful settlement based on the compromise discussed with US President Donald Trump in Anchorage, if Kiev also agrees.

- Russia did not use the Oreshnik system "in the full sense" in strikes on Ukrainian territory. "We tested similar systems at training grounds, but not the Oreshnik. This was not combat use."

- The Russian Army now controls all of the Lugansk People's Republic, more than 85% of the Donetsk People's Republic and almost 80% of Zaporozhye Region.

- Answering a question about a possible new presidential term, Putin said the Constitution allows him to run again in 2030, but it is "far too early" to discuss it and he is "not even thinking about that right now."

- Russia has not made any sudden "pivot" to Asia; its close ties with China have been built up over many years, as Moscow and Beijing are "natural allies and partners," as well as neighbors.

- On potential talks with Kiev, Putin said Russia would sign any future document with a "legitimate representative" of Ukraine, calling this "not a whim." He added that there is "no need" to halt hostilities to hold negotiations.

- The European Union could play "a positive role," not by sending more weapons but by trying to persuade the Ukrainian authorities to accept the compromises discussed in Anchorage.

(RT.com)