19.06.2025 09:10
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that there are no provisions related to the "defense sector" in the strategic partnership agreement between Russia and Iran, and he mentioned that they are in contact with Iran. He said, "We have given certain signals to our Iranian friends," indicating that some options are on the table. Putin also noted that Russian experts are working at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran.
Russian President Vladimir Putin answered questions from the heads of the world's leading news agencies at the St. Petersburg Conservatory as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). Making critical assessments regarding the Iran-Iraq war, Putin stated that they stand by Iran.
Pointing out that despite the political challenges in Iran, the people are consolidated, Putin said, "This is generally a situation experienced everywhere, and the situation in Iran is no exception."
Putin noted that the "underground factories" in Iran are also standing firm, stating, "In this context, we all need to look for ways to stop conflicts and reach an agreement. The right thing is to seek ways to end hostilities and find ways to secure the interests of both Iran and Israel."
"IRAN'S INTERESTS IN THE ENERGY SECTOR CAN BE SECURED"
Emphasizing that Russia has a high level of mutual trust with Iran, Putin said, "Iran's interests in peaceful nuclear energy can be secured. Israel's security concerns can be alleviated. There are options."
"WE HAVE GIVEN CERTAIN SIGNALS TO OUR IRANIAN FRIENDS"
Putin also mentioned that they discussed these details with Israel and the USA, stating, "We have given certain signals to our Iranian friends. In general, it is possible to secure both Iran's interests in peaceful nuclear energy and to address Israel's security concerns."
Stressing that they conveyed the framework of the proposals to the parties, Putin said, "We are not imposing anything on anyone; we are just talking about how we see a possible way out of the situation."
Putin underscored that the final decision belongs to the political leadership in Israel and Iran.
Recalling that Russia had previously offered to work with Iran on an air defense system, Putin stated, "Iran did not show interest in this. There is no provision in the strategic partnership agreement (between Russia and Iran) regarding defense. Our Iranian friends are not requesting this either."
"WE ARE IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH IRAN"
Responding to a question about whether Russia has a support plan for Iran, Putin said, "Our entire approach is present in the statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding the conflict between Israel and Iran. I have nothing to add. We are in contact with Iran, we are in contact today, we will be tomorrow and the day after. Iran has not requested support in any other way."
"WE ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE"
Pointing out that Russian experts are working at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran, Putin said, "There are 250 people, and it can go up to 600. We are not going anywhere. Isn't this support?"
RESPONSE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ATTACK ON KHAMENEI
In response to a question about a possible attack on Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Putin replied, "I don't even want to discuss such a possibility."
"TRUMP IS RIGHT ON THIS ISSUE"
Touching on the Ukraine-Russia war, Putin recalled Trump's previous statements regarding the Ukraine war, saying, "Trump said, 'If I were president at that time, this war would not have happened.' Trump is right on this issue. If Trump had been president, it is highly likely that the conflict would not have occurred."
Pointing out that the Minsk agreements regarding the resolution of the Ukraine issue have not been implemented, Putin reminded that former German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that "the Minsk agreements were signed to buy time for Ukraine," and that the former President of France confirmed this.
Putin stated, "A solution must be found that can end the conflicts and create conditions to prevent such a situation from recurring in the long term."
Giving the example of Kosovo gaining independence, Putin noted that the Donbass region in Ukraine also separated in this way and that the people there have the right to self-determination. Putin said, "International rules must apply to everyone. This is a security guarantee for everyone."
"DOCUMENTS WITH UKRAINE MUST BE SIGNED BY LEGITIMATE AUTHORITIES"
Putin expressed his readiness to meet with everyone, including Ukrainian President Zelensky, stating, "We will talk to whoever the Ukrainian state grants negotiation authority. However, the problem arises from who will sign the documents. This is important for us in solving serious issues."
Emphasizing that according to the Ukrainian Constitution, the president is elected for a term of 5 years and that extending this term is not possible even in wartime, Putin continued:
"Ukraine has both a presidential and a parliamentary system. What does this mean? All state organs are formed by the president. All military officials, ministers, and all governors are appointed by the president. Thus, if the president is illegitimate, the entire management system becomes illegitimate. It does not matter to us who conducts the negotiations. I am ready to talk, but not to share something, but to put an end to it. The document must be signed by legitimate authorities. Otherwise, new ones will come and throw everything in the trash. This cannot be. We are solving serious problems."
Vladimir Putin emphasized that they held a referendum in the annexed regions of Ukraine and that these territories are now an inseparable part of Russia.
"FIDAN AND ERDOĞAN ARE WORKING HARD FOR THE SOLUTION PROCESS"
Recalling that they negotiated with Ukraine in Istanbul in 2022, Putin said, "We thank President Erdoğan; an agreement was prepared (with Ukraine in 2022). Then (the West) said Russia must be defeated on the ground. They aimed for this goal by throwing everything in the trash. Now the situation has changed."
Putin indicated that they are ready to continue negotiations with Ukraine, stating, "These negotiations have meaning. We agreed on the exchange of 1200 captured soldiers. By giving 500 of them, we received 400 of our soldiers. We delivered the remains of more than 6 thousand soldiers. We are still ready to deliver 3 thousand more. This is a tragic number."
Emphasizing Turkey's role in the negotiations, Putin stated, "The result of the negotiations in Istanbul has a humanitarian dimension. We thank President Erdoğan."
Putin noted that the Russian and Ukrainian negotiation delegations are in contact, stating, "(Foreign Minister Hakan) Fidan and Erdoğan are working hard for the solution process. Trump is also sincerely working for a solution."