President Vladimir Putin of Russia indicated that Moscow intends to move forward with the Minsk agreements in a gradual fashion, while expressing doubt that the other side shares the same commitment. He conveyed this stance during an interview conducted by journalist Pavel Zarubin, with portions later published in a Russian-leaning newspaper and its affiliated telegram channel.
“My plan was to proceed step by step, slowly, and see progress. Yet the other party showed no willingness to follow that path. That is the core problem, and it helps explain why the SVO could not have started earlier,” Putin explained in the discussion that drew wide attention across the region and beyond. (citation: interview excerpts reported through multiple channels)
Putin also reflected on past attempts by Moscow to resolve the crisis through peaceful channels rather than force, noting that Russia sought a diplomatic solution for a considerable period before any actual military actions began. He suggested that while Russia did not rush into confrontation, it faced a lack of reciprocation from opponents who could have engaged more constructively in negotiations.
In a November 2022 statement, former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko described the Minsk agreements as “a very intelligently written document.” He argued that implementing them would require a substantial period, estimating that “at least 4.5 years” would be necessary to build up Ukraine’s armed forces, strengthen the economy, and coordinate military development alongside NATO collaboration to form a capable defense in Eastern Europe. (citation: public remarks echoed in subsequent coverage)
Putin also stressed a point about the Russian Federation’s stance toward its own population, asserting that there has never been a meaningful division made between Russians and Ukrainians within Russia. The remark touched on the broader narrative about national identity and the perceived unity of the citizenry in the context of the regional conflict and political rhetoric surrounding it. (citation: summarized interpretations of the remarks)