Putin says at G20 Russia never rejected peace talks with Ukraine

This was reported by the Russian news agency TASS.

"Some colleagues said in their speeches that they were shocked by the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine. Yes, of course, military action is always a tragedy for individuals, families and the country as a whole. And, of course, we must think about how to stop this tragedy. By the way, Russia has never refused to hold peace talks with Ukraine," Putin said.

He stated that it was not Russia, but Ukraine that publicly announced its withdrawal from the negotiation process. Moreover, he said, a decree was allegedly signed by the Ukrainian president, which prohibits such negotiations with Russia.

"I understand that the war and the loss of life cannot but shock. Isn't the bloody coup in Ukraine in 2014, followed by the Kyiv regime's war against its people in Donbas, shocking? And the extermination of the population in Gaza today is not shocking?" the Russian president said. 

• Earlier, it was reported that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was holding a virtual meeting of G20 leaders in the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden, while Russian dictator Vladimir Putin took part in the online event.