New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday warned Ukraine that the military operation would only end if Kyiv ceased resisting and complied with all of the Kremlin's demands, news agency Reuters reported.
By phone, Putin urged Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan that Ukraine's negotiators should be more "constructive" in their negotiations with Moscow, taking into consideration the realities on the ground.
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Putin stated his "special operation" in Ukraine was progressing according to plan and timetable, according to a Kremlin transcript of the call.
"It was underlined that the suspension of the special operation is only possible if Kyiv stops military operations and carries out well-known Russian demand," Kremlin was quoted by Reuters in its report.
Russia, which invaded Ukraine on February 24, describes its operations as a "special operation" aimed at destroying Ukraine's military capabilities, purging the country of "nationalists," and turning it into a neutral state.
The Kremlin leader told Erdogan that Moscow was willing to talk to Ukrainian officials, but said he hoped Ukrainian negotiators would be more helpful in the next round of negotiations.
"Attention was drawn to the futility of any attempts to drag out the negotiation process, which is being used by the Ukrainian security forces to regroup their forces and resources. It is hoped that during the planned next round of negotiations, Ukraine's representatives will show a more constructive approach, fully taking into account the emerging realities," Kremlin adds.
(With Inputs From Reuters)
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