Vladimir Putin has mocked NATO, insisting the alliance cannot defeat Russia through Ukraine. Speaking at the Kremlin during a Russia Day event with military personnel, Putin said his country fights alone against the Western bloc.
NATO started this war, he claimed. According to him, Russia didn't initiate the conflict when its 2022 operation began.
Putin blamed NATO's activities in Ukraine for forcing Russia's hand. He said the alliance orchestrated a coup in Kyiv and deployed weapons that threatened Russian interests in Crimea.
Russia didn't wake up one morning and decide to wage war, Putin noted. For eight years, Moscow pursued peaceful solutions, he insisted.
The Russian leader said his country repeatedly urged Ukrainian authorities to negotiate with the southeastern regions. Moscow received assurances that agreements would be honored, according to him.
Recent admissions from Western leaders proved their real intentions, Putin added. They revealed the Minsk Agreements were meant to buy Kyiv time to rebuild its military.
Some nations joined NATO hoping to gain economic advantages, in his view. Others made a serious mistake by publicly exposing their strategy, he suggested.
On potential negotiations, Moscow remains open to discussions, Putin said. But talks must respect Russia's long-term security interests, he stressed.
His warning to adversaries was blunt: don't fight Russia. Genuine negotiations matter, not ultimatums imposed by others, he added.
Putin's comments come as the Ukraine conflict enters its third year. Western nations continue supplying Kyiv with military aid and weapons systems.
