Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday claimed his country’s partial mobilization of reservists to fight in the Ukraine, announced last month, will end in around two weeks.
“This work is already coming to an end,” Putin said at a press conference in Astana, where he traveled to participate in a conference. “There are now 222,000 people mobilized in the troop formations, out of 300,000. I think that within about two weeks all mobilization activities will be completed.”
Putin also said that “nothing further is being planned … within the foreseeable future,” as his defense ministry had not requested further troops.
Putin also referred to the negotiations with Kyiv, noted that Moscow is always open to discussions on the issue of Ukraine.
The head of the Kremlin expressed his belief that Russia is acting correctly and proportionately in the current situation. “What is happening today is, to put it mildly, unpleasant. Our task is not to destroy Ukraine,” Putin stressed.
Regarding negotiations with the West, Putin emphasized that Russia will apparently participate in the G20 summit. It has not yet been specified in what format.
“There is still no talk of direct negotiations with any of the G20 participants. And to be honest, I don't see the need for discussions with Joe Biden,” the Russian President added.
