Putin vows no more wars if the West treats Russia with respect

Russian President Vladimir Putin used a four-and-a-half-hour televised Direct Line to say peace with the West depends on Moscow being treated with respect. He argued that Western claims of a planned invasion were false and vowed not to launch new operations if Russia's interests are recognized.

What Putin said about Ukraine and NATO

Putin declared there will be no new operations in Ukraine if Western powers treat Russia with respect and recognize Moscow's interests. He repeated accusations that NATO expanded eastward despite assurances, calling it a breach that pushed Russia to act for its security.

The president framed the war in Ukraine as a struggle to control parts of Donbas and to influence Ukraine's security orientation, including the possibility of joining NATO. He insisted Kyiv must drop its bid to join the alliance and that Russia seeks reliable security guarantees.

Direct Line setting and public reaction

The event took place in a Moscow hall with a large map showing Russian-held areas in Ukraine, including Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014. State television said millions submitted questions, mixing public queries with reports of occasional technical glitches.

Public concerns spilled into the broadcast, with viewers describing the event as chaotic at times and pointing to gaps in internet access and other frustrations.

Economy, prices and policy

The president acknowledged rising prices and noted that the value-added tax rose from 20% to 22% on January 1. At the same time, Russia's central bank announced a rate cut, lowering the policy rate to 16% to support growth and lending.

War, diplomacy and Western responses

Putin said he is ready to end the fighting peacefully if Russia's security is guaranteed, but offered few concessions on the war in Ukraine. He reiterated Moscow's demands for control over parts of Donetsk and Luhansk and for Kyiv to halt its bid to join NATO.

He asserted that Moscow could work with the United States, Britain, and Europe as equals, provided there is mutual respect. He accused Western leaders of blocking a deal and said Kyiv has been used by Western sponsors to press Moscow.

Public questions and other notes

Most questions from Russian media and the public were routine, though a few Western correspondents were allowed to participate. Kyiv said a Russian missile strike on the southern Odesa region killed seven people and injured 15, illustrating the ongoing toll of the conflict. Ukraine's security service said it hit an oil tanker linked to Russia's shadow fleet in the Mediterranean, a move Moscow said would not affect exports.

Separately, Putin touched on domestic issues, including energy prices and the need for new energy sources for regions like Yakutia, promising to keep residents in mind.

Expert comment

Expert comment: Political analyst Elena Morozova says the Direct Line signals Russia aims to shape a peace process on its own terms rather than give up key red lines. A second analyst notes the speech emphasizes dialogue with the West while maintaining pressure on Kyiv.

Summary

In this Direct Line, Putin framed peace as possible only if the West treats Russia with equal respect and accepts Moscow's security demands. He warned against NATO expansion and demanded control over parts of eastern Ukraine, while saying Russia is ready to end the war if security guarantees are provided. The session also touched on the economy, prices, and ongoing international tensions.

Key insight: Putin ties any halt to hostilities to mutual respect from the West, presenting peace as achievable only on Russia's terms. BBC coverage

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