Russian President Vladimir Putin refused to say that war with Ukraine was no longer a possibility and accused the United States of brainwashing Ukrainians in a Thursday press conference.
Putin alleged that NATO had instigated conflict by building up troops and weapons near Russia’s borders at an annual news conference Thursday. He also argued the addition of Ukraine to NATO was “unacceptable.”
“We have clearly and precisely let them know that any further NATO expansion eastward is unacceptable,” he said. Putin’s government submitted security documents last week demanding that NATO refuse membership to Ukraine. Current Ukrainian leadership has repeatedly emphasized the importance of implementing a NATO Membership Action Plan, an important step in becoming a member of the alliance.
“Is it us who are putting missiles near the U.S. borders?” Putin went on to say. “No, it’s the U.S. who came to our home with their missiles. They are already on the threshold of our home. Is it some excessive demand not to place any offensive systems near our home?”
“How the Americans would respond if we put our missiles on the U.S. borders with Canada or Mexico?”
When asked if he could guarantee that Russia will not invade Ukraine, Putin wanted guarantees from the West: “It’s you who must give us guarantees and give them immediately, now, and not have idle talk about it for decades.”
He also accused the West of trying to brainwash Ukrainians and turn them against Russia. He said the West wanted to make Ukraine “anti-Russia, constantly beefed up with modern weapons and brainwashing the population.”
Some American lawmakers have called on the Biden administration to send troops to Ukraine to help discourage a potential Russian invasion, however, President Joe Biden has said sending troops is not on the table.
Leave a Reply