Russia does not want clash with NATO, ready for any scenario: Putin
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The Russian President says the African Peace Initiative and the Chinese one, along with other proposals, can form the basis for a peace process.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin (TASS)
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that African countries are sincerely putting effort in an aim to end the crisis in Ukraine.
During a speech on the results of the second Russia-Africa Summit, Putin made it clear that Russia did not reject peace talks with Ukraine, but Kiev signed a decree banning negotiations.
The Russian leader indicated that some clauses of the African Peace Initiative are difficult to implement, including the ceasefire, especially since Ukraine pursues its counteroffensive.
He added that the African Peace Initiative and the Chinese one, along with other proposals, can form the basis for a peace process.
"The [African] initiative, in my opinion, can be the basis of some processes aimed at the search for peace, like others, for example, the Chinese peace initiative," he said.
Putin highlighted that Ukraine has suffered heavy human losses since June 4 and lost 415 tanks, noting that two-thirds of the vehicles that Kiev has lost were provided by the West. He also stressed that the West's mistakes are the root of the problem in Ukraine.
Read more: Ball now on Ukraine’s side with regard to talks: Putin
Africa wants to cooperate with Russia in military-technical field
He said the African continent is very friendly and positive toward Russia, adding that African countries have enormous potential that is growing exponentially.
The Russian President pointed out that African nations need stable domestic politics to be able to develop their economies.
"Joint work in the field of security is very much needed. Africa is still suffering from terrorism, and this is a problem in many regions, in many countries. And in order for the economy to develop well, as we all know very well, we need stability in domestic politics. Stability is impossible if security is not ensured. This is why they sincerely want to continue working with us in this area, including military and technical cooperation," Putin told journalists.
He added that African nations are not afraid of "any external pressure."
"They're working. And they are buying weapons. And dozens and hundreds of servicemen from African countries are trained in our universities of the Ministry of Defense. They are studying with us," Putin said.
He confirmed that Russia is still one of the best sellers of wheat in the world, revealing that his country will share its profits with the poorest countries thanks to the free delivery of Russian grain.
He also announced that his country would continue to supply African countries with grain, whether on a commercial or free basis.
Read more: South Africa thanks Russia for grain supplies decisions
No one wants direct clash
The Russian President said Russia does not want a direct clash with NATO but maintained that the country is ready for any scenario.
"We are always ready for any scenario. But nobody wants this. We once established a special mechanism to prevent these conflicts at the initiative of the American side. Our heads of relevant departments directly communicate with each other and have the opportunity to consult on any crisis situation," Putin told journalists.
He revealed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested holding phone conversations with him on this matter, but the time was not appropriate for that.
Nonetheless, Putin said he had agreed with his Turkish counterpart to hold a series of phone conversations next Wednesday.
Read more: Russia says committed to 'Africa's food, energy security'
