Russian President Putin called on Ukraine to immediately end hostilities and return to the negotiating table while delivering a speech at a ceremony dedicated to the unification of four Ukrainian regions to Russia in Grand Kremlin Palace.

Axar.az reports that Putin addressed Kyiv and the West:

"The people of the "DPR," "LPR," Zaporizhzhia, and the Kherson regions become our citizens forever. We call on the Kyiv regime to immediately end hostilities and return to the negotiating table. Russia is ready for negotiations with Ukraine. Kyiv should respect the choice of "DPR," " LPR," Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, only this can be the way to peace."