Putin says Russia seeks 'recognition of on-ground realities, not Ukraine’s capitulation'

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia is not demanding Ukraine’s capitulation, but rather recognition of the realities established on the ground, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday.

“We are not seeking Ukraine’s capitulation. We are seeking recognition of the realities that have developed on the ground,” he said at a plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Putin also addressed ongoing tensions in the Middle East, saying the situation between Iran and Israel cannot be compared to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Asked whether he considered it “normal” for threats to be made against Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, Putin responded that he hoped such “arguments” would remain at the level of rhetoric and not escalate further.