Russian president Vladimir Putin said that Moscow is ready to negotiate with all parties involved in the conflict in Ukraine, Reuters reported.
"I believe that we are acting in the right direction, we are defending our national interests, the interests of our citizens, our people. And we have no other choice but to protect our citizens," Vladimir Putin told state television in an interview, as per Reuters.
“We are ready to negotiate with everyone involved about acceptable solutions, but that is up to them - we are not the ones refusing to negotiate, they are,” the Russian president said.
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Vladimir Putin also blasted the West for trying to "tear apart" Russia.
"At the core of it all is the policy of our geopolitical opponents, aiming to tear apart Russia, the historical Russia," Vladimir Putin said, adding, "They have always tried to 'divide and conquer'... Our goal is something else -- to unite the Russian people."
Vladimir Putin also described Russia as a "unique country" and that the vast majority of its people were united in wanting to defend it.
{{/usCountry}}Vladimir Putin also described Russia as a "unique country" and that the vast majority of its people were united in wanting to defend it.
{{/usCountry}}"As for the main part - the 99.9% of our citizens, our people who are ready to give everything for the interests of the Motherland – there is nothing unusual for me here," he said.
“This just once again convinces me that Russia is a unique country and that we have an exceptional people. This has been confirmed throughout the history of Russia's existence,” he added.