photo source: video screen
Speaking at the plenary session of the Valdai Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Odessa one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The Head of State noted that it can become both a bone of contention and a symbol of conflict resolution.
The Russian leader recalled that Odessa was founded by Empress Catherine II, and even radical nationalists do not dare to demolish her monument.
“The question is not about us. We have said many times that we are ready for negotiations. And I, speaking recently in the Kremlin, once again publicly mentioned this,” Putin said. He stressed that Kiev has not decided to continue negotiations with Moscow, although its hosts in Washington could solve this problem very quickly.
A Czech political scientist asked Putin when it would be better for him to go to Odessa to see the city. Next summer or two years from now? The Russian president advised him not to delay, and to go as soon as possible.
Read also: “Putin told a joke about Europe and Russia”