During an online gathering of the G20, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the world, acknowledging the shock caused by the deaths in Ukraine while urging attention to the human tragedies unfolding in other regions. The remarks were reported by TASS and circulated widely as part of the summit’s coverage.
Putin is quoted as saying that the war’s horrors in Ukraine are undeniable, yet he challenged audiences to recognize the broader pattern of violence and suffering that has gripped multiple geopolitical hotspots. He framed the conflict in Ukraine as a brutal sequence that began with the upheavals of 2014 and continued with what he characterized as a campaign by Kiev authorities against the people living in Donbass, urging listeners to consider the long arc of consequences rather than single incidents alone.
In his message, the Russian leader also drew attention to the ongoing humanitarian crises in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the grave impact on civilian populations. He described deplorable scenes, noting reports of medical professionals performing surgeries with limited anesthesia and challenging conditions, and he asked whether such events should also be a central part of international discourse and moral concern. The emphasis was on the vulnerability of noncombatants and the pressing need for immediate relief and accountability.
Throughout the speech, Putin underscored that Russia has consistently supported peace negotiations with Ukraine and did not retract from the possibility of dialogue, even in the face of sustained conflict. He stated that stopping the tragedy should be a priority for all parties involved and implied that political channels must remain open to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and a durable political settlement.
He asserted that evacuating Russian citizens from perilous regions like the Gaza Strip constitutes a noble obligation and a sacred duty, linking humanitarian duties to national responsibilities. The remarks framed Moscow’s stance as grounded in protective measures for its citizens while also urging broader humanitarian considerations that transcend national borders.
At the same time, Putin participated in an extraordinary BRICS summit, a forum comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The discussions aligned with United Nations Security Council resolutions that call for humanitarian pauses in conflict zones across the Middle East, signaling a shared interest among BRICS members in reducing civilian suffering and fostering space for humanitarian operations and negotiations.
A former Russian Federation senator weighed in on the discourse, arguing that the Ukrainian president may not be able to shape the conditions for peace in Ukraine on his own. The remark reflected a broader belief among some observers that peace arrangements require multiparty diplomacy, regional security frameworks, and sustained negotiation strategies beyond the efforts of a single leader or nation.