"You said that Russia has contributed to a certain degree to the intensity that we are now observing in the world. Russia made its contribution only in the fact that it more and more rigidly is protecting its national interests. We aren't attacking politically, we are not attacking anyone, we are only protecting our interests," Putin said.
Russia and the West have differing views on a number of major issues on the global political agenda, however their relations have deteriorated amid the Ukrainian crisis. Western countries have been blaming Moscow for meddling in Ukraine's internal affairs and imposed several rounds of sanctions against Russia. However, Moscow has repeatedly denied the accusations of the West and reiterated its commitment to the peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Moscow criticizes the Western partners for one-sided approach to the Ukrainian crisis and stresses that the interests of all parties involved, including mostly Russian-speaking citizens of the southeastern regions of Ukraine, should be taken into account, instead of blindly supporting every move the Kiev authorities make.
