"We're in favor. But there are nuances": Putin answered questions about the truce with Ukraine. The main thing

The proposal for a truce in Ukraine inevitably raises a number of questions, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a joint press conference with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. Among the topics that need to be discussed, he mentioned the situation with the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region. Russia supports the idea of a ceasefire. However, according to Putin, it is necessary to decide what to do with the remaining Ukrainian troops in the region. At the same time, Lukashenko believes that if Russia comes to an agreement with the United States, Europe will have a "pipe" with Ukraine. The most important statements from the press conference are in the Izvestia article.

On the ratification of the security treaty

• The Treaty on Security Guarantees within the framework of the Union State has entered into force. It defines mutual allied obligations to ensure reliable defense and security of Russia and Belarus. At the same time, countries can use their entire arsenal of forces and means (we discussed the content and meaning of the treaty in more detail here).

• The parties will continue to step up joint efforts to effectively respond to modern challenges and threats in order to strengthen the security of Belarus and Russia within the framework of the common defense space of the Union State. The agreement stipulates mutual guarantees for the implementation of necessary measures in the event of encroachments on the security of Belarus and Russia, as well as the Union State as a whole.

• Moscow and Minsk will also continue to collectively resist unilateral economic sanctions and other harassment. Countries will respond not only to acts of aggression that have already been committed, but also to threats.

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About the return of companies

• Putin said that Western companies that want to return to Russia can do so, but preferences will not be created for them. In the Russian Federation, advantages are possible only for domestic producers. Earlier, the president instructed the government to work on granting preferences to domestic companies when foreign investors return to the market.

• Foreign brands began to withdraw from the Russian market after its launch in 2022. Now some global brands are ready to return: among them are car companies, enterprises from the world of fashion and catering, as well as technology corporations.

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About the truce

• Putin noted that Russia supports a 30-day truce with Ukraine, but in this case there will be questions related to the site of the Ukrainian border in the Kursk region.

• Putin also noted that Russian troops are advancing in almost all areas of combat contact. Conditions are now emerging for Russia to block sufficiently large units. At the same time, it is not yet clear what Kiev will do during the truce. Russia agrees with the proposals to cease hostilities. However, they must lead to long-term peace and eliminate the causes of the crisis.

However, he called the aspiration of foreign leaders to help end the fighting in Ukraine a noble mission, and separately thanked US President Donald Trump for this. The Russian leader said he could call his American counterpart to discuss the idea of a truce.

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• At the same time, Lukashenko noted that Ukrainians, when returning to negotiations three years later, should understand that the situation on earth has changed. In his opinion, Kiev should have stopped firing long ago and sat down at the negotiating table. At the same time, he stressed that neither Russia nor Belarus were the cause of the conflict in Ukraine.