Putin says Russia is open to dialogue, but interests are ‘non-negotiable’

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a video message on Wednesday that the country’s interests were “non-negotiable” – but said Russia was open to dialogue on “the most difficult problems”.

“We see how difficult the international situation is developing, what dangers the current challenges pose, such as the weakening of the arms control system or the military activity of the NATO bloc,” Putin said in a video released by the Kremlin for the national holiday. of Defender of the Fatherland Day.

“At the same time, Russia’s calls to build an equal and indivisible security system that reliably protects all countries remain unanswered,” the Russian leader said.

Russia is “always open to direct and honest dialogue, to find diplomatic solutions to the most difficult problems,” Putin said, adding: “But I repeat: Russia’s interests and the security of our citizens are non-negotiable for us.” .

understand the conflict

After months of military escalation and intemperance on the Ukrainian border, Russia is increasing pressure on its former Soviet neighbor, threatening to destabilize Europe and involve the United States.

Russia has been tightening its military grip around Ukraine for the past year, amassing tens of thousands of troops, equipment and artillery at the country’s gates. The mobilization prompted warnings from US intelligence officials that a Russian invasion could be imminent.

In recent weeks, diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions have not come to a conclusion. The independence of Donetsk and Luhansk, two Ukrainian separatist areas, was recognized by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (21).

The escalation in the years-long conflict between Russia and Ukraine has set off the continent’s biggest security crisis since the Cold War, raising the specter of a dangerous confrontation between Western powers and Moscow.