In an interview with Russian media, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared his readiness to negotiate, but taking into account "the realities on the ground." In other words, Russia will demand that the recognition of seized territories.

"Are we ready for negotiations? Yes, we are, but we are only ready for negotiations that are not based on any wishes after the use of psychotropic drugs, but are based on the realities that have developed, as they say in such cases, on the ground," the Russian president said.

Also, according to him, Moscow will not agree to negotiations that will be used by Ukraine and the West as a "pause for rearmament" and will demand "security guarantees" for Russia. 

"We must understand clearly and distinctly for ourselves that this is not a pause that the enemy wants to take for rearmament, but a serious conversation with security guarantees for the Russian Federation," Putin said.

He also added that Russia is aware of the "carrots that are going to be shown" by foreign governments to convince Moscow that the moment for negotiations has come.

"Do you remember what they used to say in Rus'? Some people's happiness at the everyday level was as follows: "full, drunk and with a nose in tobacco". It's easier with such people. Being full, drunk means being full, drunk. Nose in tobacco, because they used to use snuff. Now the nose is in cocaine, right? But it doesn't matter, it's easier with these people. It's harder with the smart ones, they are more dangerous because they influence the consciousness of society, including ours. They will throw out all sorts of their wants under the guise of a "carrot" for us," Putin said.