In Germany, they are commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin's statements on state television, which shed light on how Russia will continue to view its war against Ukraine and whether there is any chance of it stopping.
Putin rejected any responsibility for the war he started and blamed Ukraine. Russia does not see a fundamental will for peace, Putin said at his annual press conference in Moscow.
Putin also mocked NATO, Focus.de reports, citing DPA. Putin welcomed US President Donald Trump's efforts to end the war. Putin also said that Russia has no intention of invading any European or other country. The Russian president, citing the new US security strategy, which does not list Russia as an enemy, asked NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte “Can you read?“.
Putin was referring to the fact that according to the US, Russia is not a threat, while NATO countries view it differently. European military officials even stated that within a few years the Russian army is preparing to attack NATO.
Moscow again blamed Kiev and the West for the war. “The ball is clearly in the court of our Western opponents, namely the head of the Kiev regime and, in this case, primarily his European sponsors“, Putin said. He said that Russia was ready for a peaceful resolution of the conflict if its previously stated demands were met.
Moscow demands that Ukraine withdraw from Donbas. Russian demands also include control of the government in Kiev and the demilitarization of Ukraine, and Putin has so far shown no signs of softening those goals.
The Kremlin chief said the Russian military holds the strategic initiative along the entire front line. "I am simply convinced that we will witness further successes of our armed forces by the end of this year," he said. Putin said more than 400,000 volunteers have signed contracts with the Defense Ministry for military service this year.
Putin described as robbery the EU's plans to seize frozen Russian assets and transfer them to Kiev - a plan that has not yet been adopted. Russia will continue to defend its interests and try to find politically independent courts that will honor the claim for the return of frozen state funds, Putin said. “Whatever they steal must eventually be returned“.