Putin's Justification for Crackdown on Dissent: Armed Conflict with Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that he does not reject the idea of peace talks over Ukraine but emphasized that there can be no cease-fire while Ukrainian forces are "on the offensive." Putin acknowledged the African and Chinese peace initiatives as potential bases for ending the war in Ukraine but deemed them "impossible to implement" at present due to ongoing hostilities. African leaders meeting with Putin urged Russia to end the conflict, emphasizing the need for justice and reason, while also calling for de-escalation and constructive engagement to restore peace in Europe.