Putin called the proposal for a mutual suspension of strikes with Ukraine “absurd”

“It is simply absurd” to propose a partial cessation of strikes against russia, under which the Armed Forces of Ukraine would stop striking russian oil refineries while russia would stop attacking ships carrying Ukrainian grain. Russian dictator putin gave this response to a question from one of the participants at the Valdai Discussion Club meeting on October 1, the “DW Glavnoe” Telegram channel reports.

According to the dictator, Ukraine's strikes on russian oil refineries resulted in the loss of only “around one percent of russia's GDP”. He said the strikes had caused damage, but that following russia's retaliatory attacks, “Ukraine no longer has a steel industry”.

In a series of other answers and statements, he also said that “the continuation of conflicts around the world is, unfortunately, likely”, adding that “these are the trends”. The russian president once again blamed “Western hegemony” and a “might makes right” approach for what is happening.