Key statements made by Putin to journalists following his trip to North Korea and Vietnam:

➡️There is nothing new in the treaty with North Korea; the parties have changed almost nothing compared to the agreement concluded in the 1960s, which had expired.

➡️The treaty with North Korea provides for mutual assistance in the event of military aggression. Seoul has nothing to fear in this regard if it does not plan to attack Pyongyang.

➡️Sanctions against Pyongyang are inhumane, and imposing restrictions for political reasons is unacceptable.

➡️Arms deliveries from Seoul to Kiev would be a mistake; Russia may respond with measures that South Korea’s leadership is unlikely to appreciate.

➡️Russia is not asking anyone for help in conducting its special operation.

➡️The West’s reaction to peace initiatives was expected, but rational politicians will consider them if they want to end the conflict.

➡️The West will blame Zelensky for all unpopular decisions and replace him in the first half of 2025.

➡️If Kiev ties negotiations with Moscow to the withdrawal of Russian troops, this will never happen.

➡️Russia is considering possible changes to its nuclear doctrine due to the enemy’s efforts to lower the threshold for using nuclear weapons.

➡️For Russia, a strategic defeat would mean the end of its statehood, so there is no reason to fear; it must go to the end.