Ukraine Crisis: President Putin Says Russia’s Interests ‘Non-Negotiable’

Moscow: Vladimir Putin spelt out his priorities clearly on Wednesday even as an attack on Ukraine seemed inevitable.

The Russian President said he is ready for diplomatic solutions, but the country’s interests are ‘non-negotiable’.

“Our country is always open for direct and honest dialogue (and) for the search for diplomatic solutions to the most complex problems, But the interests of Russia, the security of our citizens, are non-negotiable for us,” Putin said in a video address.

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Russia on Monday recognized Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine as ‘independent’ entities, triggering apprehension that Putin was a step closer to ordering a military invasion.

“I consider it necessary to take a long-overdue decision: To immediately recognize independence and sovereignty of Donetsk People’s Republic and Lugansk People’s Republic,” Putin said.

Recent satellite images showed deployment of over 100 military vehicles in Belarus near Ukraine border.

Putin, in his address, offered an alternative version of Ukraine’s history, claiming that it was always a part of Russia.

Putin was thereafter authorized by Russian lawmakers to use military force outside the country.

Congratulating the military, Putin said he was certain of their ‘professionalism’ and that they would stand up for the country’s interests.

“We will continue to develop advanced weapon systems, including hypersonic and those based on new physical principles, and expand the use of advanced digital technologies and elements of artificial intelligence,” he added.