Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday accused the West of hostility towards Russia. In his speech, Putin more clearly acknowledged that Western sanctions have hit the Russian economy hard.
16.3. 17:42 • Updated March 16th. 18:14
President of Russia Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia is ready to discuss Ukraine’s possible neutral position in talks to end the war. Putin spoke to his government ministers in a speech broadcast on Russian state television.
– We are ready to discuss a fundamental issue of principle for our country and its future – Ukraine’s neutral status, disarmament and Nazi liberation – as part of the negotiations, Putin says.
While Putin spoke of readiness to negotiate, he also said that Russia would continue to pursue the goals of its so-called military “special operation.”
There were no signs that Putin’s attitude towards the West or Ukraine was softening.
“It has been foreseeable that the pro-Nazi government in Kiev could have had access to weapons of mass destruction, and of course Russia would have been its target,” Putin says.
Putin has repeatedly called members of Ukraine’s democratically elected government neo-Nazis, claiming that they would seek genocide in the Russian-speaking population of eastern Ukraine. The West considers the speeches to be unfounded propaganda.
In his speech, the Russian president harshly criticized the West, which Putin says is aiming for international leadership. According to Putin, the West is trying to cripple Russia. Putin called the West an “empire of lies” and said the West was guilty of an unprecedented information campaign against Russia.
– Hostile geopolitical goals are behind the hypocritical speeches and current actions in the West. They just don’t want a strong, independent Russia, Putin says.
Putin also reiterated Russia’s claims that the attack had proceeded as planned. On the contrary, several experts have assessed Russia’s success in the war.
Recognized the challenges of sanctions on the economy
Putin more clearly acknowledged that Western sanctions have had a painful impact on the Russian economy.
On Wednesday, for example, the question of Russia’s possible insolvency has arisen. In the money markets, it is expected whether Russia will be able to pay the $ 117 million interest tranche maturing today.
Putin said in his speech that inflation and unemployment are rising. At the same time, the president promised support for families with children and promised structural economic reforms.
The president accused the West that the events in Ukraine were only an excuse for imposing sanctions on the West.
“The West is not even trying to cover up that the goal is to damage the entire Russian economy, every Russian,” Putin said.