The president of Russia accused the United States of promoting a war in Europe
Putin assured that NATO and the United States have ignored Russia's demands.
For the first time in weeks, Vladimir Putin has spoken out on the crisis on the border with Ukraine, after a meeting with Viktor Orban, Prime Minister of Hungary.
Putin expressed Russia's concern, if Ukraine joins NATO, as the Atlantic Alliance would be deployed throughout Eastern Europe. NATO has declared that these demands are not feasible.
On the other hand, Putin assured that the United States promotes a war between Ukraine and Russia to have reasons to apply sanctions against Russia. He indicated that the only purpose of the United States is to paralyze the development of Russia, cataloging Ukraine as an "instrument" to achieve its objectives.
In addition, he highlighted the danger posed to Europe and the world if Ukraine joins NATO.
Antony Blinken, a few days ago, indicated that the doors of NATO are open to Ukraine, in response to Russia's demands. So far there are no indications that Ukraine is part of the Alliance, even its entry into the summit to be held in Madrid in June is not planned.
For his part, no Western leader sees it as possible for Eastern Europe to be left out of NATO's plans. The possibilities are minimal and Western leaders assure that Putin is clear about it.
The Russian president has assured that Western responses to Russia's demands are being carefully studied.
Despite the circumstances, Vladimir Putin continues to bet on dialogue. As they have confirmed in the meetings last Tuesday, they assure that it is time for diplomacy.
Before his meeting with the Prime Minister of Hungary, Putin would have had a telephone conversation with Mario Draghi, Prime Minister of Italy, whom he warned of the great consequences that a worsening of the conflict would have.
Putin again had a conversation with Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, who is serving as a mediator between the European presidents.
Alliances and connections
Vladimir Putin was scheduled to have a phone conversation with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday night, which was delayed until Wednesday.
Boris Johnson arrived in Kiev on Tuesday, in the midst of the Partygate scandal and awaiting Scotland Yard's verdict on his Downing Street scandal.
Jose Manuel Albares, Spanish Foreign Minister, held a conversation with Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's chief diplomat, to whom he reaffirmed Spain's commitment to defending Ukrainian sovereignty.
Putin's last public statement was during his annual press conference on December 23, 2021. By that time, he was already calling the United States an "aggressor," accusing them of placing missiles near Russia.
On the other hand, the Secretary of State of the United States, Antony Blinken, and Russia's chief diplomat, Serguei Lavrov, again held a telephone conversation.
In Geneva, both parties would have recognized the honesty of the meeting, but that little progress had been made.
The United States responded negatively to Russia's demands, which consisted of not allowing Ukraine to join NATO, while kyiv demands the restructuring of the security scheme in Europe.