Russian President Vladimir Putin has defended the full-scale invasion of Ukraine during his annual televised news conference, accusing Kyiv and the West of threatening Russia's national security.

Moscow

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

During a televised Q&A session, Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that Russia is not to blame for the ongoing war in Ukraine, instead attributing responsibility to Ukraine's 2014 political changes and subsequent military actions. Putin also accused NATO of provoking the conflict by expanding its presence near Russian borders, and denied that Russia is preparing for a broader war against the West.

Putin stated that Russia is open to ending hostilities if its security concerns are addressed, and warned of serious repercussions if Western nations use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The event was tightly controlled, with Putin responding to selected questions that allowed him to present Russia as a victim of Western actions.

Russia's Putin blames Ukraine, NATO for war in televised Q&A

Sitting in front of a map of Russia that includes Crimea and other parts of Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin insists that Moscow is winning this war, but is not to blame for invading its neighbour. We do not consider ourselves responsible for the loss of life because we did not start this war. This war began after the coup d'etat in Ukraine, an unconstitutional armed coup d'etat in 2014. And then the Kiev regime's leaders launched military operations against their own citizens in southeastern Ukraine. The hours-long event was strictly choreographed. Putin answered hand-picked questions from journalists and members of the public that provided him the opportunity to paint Russia as a victim of Western provocation. The promises made to us about not expanding NATO are being ignored. We have been deceived once again. There have been several waves of NATO expansion, and this, undoubtedly, the movement of military infrastructure towards our borders, has caused and continues to cause our legitimate concern. Putin denies allegations that Russia is preparing for a wider war against the West, saying the Kremlin wants peace if and when its demands are met. It is not us who are fighting you. It is you who are fighting us, via the Ukrainian nationalists. We are ready to cease these hostilities immediately, while ensuring Russia's security in the medium and long term. And we are ready to cooperate with you. Portraying himself as a rational negotiator, Putin did, however, warn of severe consequences if Western governments use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine.

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Russia's Putin blames Ukraine, NATO for war in televised Q&A

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Ukraine Invasion