Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that NATO has come to realize it cannot defeat Russia through Ukraine, as the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv continues.
Speaking at the Kremlin during a meeting with military personnel participating in the special military operation as part of Russia Day celebrations, Putin said Russia was standing against the “collective West” led by NATO.
According to him, several countries have supported actions directed against Russia, insisting that Moscow did not initiate the conflict when it launched its special military operation in Ukraine in 2022.
“It was them who started the war,” Putin said, maintaining that Russia acted in response to developments in Ukraine and what he described as threats to Russian-speaking populations in Crimea and eastern Ukraine.
The Russian leader argued that Moscow spent years pursuing a peaceful settlement and repeatedly called for dialogue between Ukrainian authorities and residents of southeastern Ukraine before the conflict escalated.
Putin also referenced the Minsk Agreements, alleging that Western nations later admitted the accords were used to buy time for Ukraine to strengthen its military capabilities.
He criticized countries that joined NATO for strategic benefits and warned against any attempt to confront Russia militarily.
On ongoing diplomatic efforts, Putin said Russia remains open to negotiations but stressed that any talks must take into account the country’s long-term interests.
“There is only one piece of advice we can offer our adversaries: do not fight Russia,” he said, adding that negotiations should be genuine and not based on ultimatums.
