Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Russia has never refused to negotiate with Ukraine, criticizing the US for its alleged use of economic sanctions and financial restrictions.
Putin responded to a statement by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken about peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
The Russian leader referred to international relations as a dance, saying, Americans “do not know how to dance this tango.”
“The US is trying to solve everything from a position of strength or with the help of economic sanctions or financial restrictions, with the threat of using military force, or by using it,” Putin said Friday.
Putin emphasized the importance for Ukraine to remember the “hopak,” a traditional Ukrainian folk dance, alluding to the need for Ukraine to maintain its independence from external influences.
“I think that for Ukraine, it is important not to forget the hopak. This is what is important, otherwise, they will dance to someone else’s tune all the time,” he indicated. “Therefore, if the other side wants to, they should say it directly.”
The UK recently called on North Korea to end talks over the sale of arms to Russia after leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin met for a rare summit.
“We urge the DPRK to cease its arms negotiations with Russia and to abide by public commitments Pyongyang has made not to sell arms to Russia,” UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson told reporters.
He added that the visit highlighted Russia’s isolation on the global stage.
“As the world unites against Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine he has been forced to turn to regimes such as North Korea,” the UK official concluded.
