According to the Russian president, Russia is making every effort to prevent further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and to avert a major war.

Below are the key statements made by Putin:

On Ukraine and the West’s erroneous course: Only those who are unfamiliar with Russia’s history and fail to understand the strength of its unity can indulge in illusions about inflicting a strategic defeat on it. «The hostile course taken by a number of Western states, aimed at escalating and prolonging the Ukrainian conflict with the goal of inflicting a strategic defeat on our country, is profoundly erroneous.»

Russia remains ready for talks with Ukraine: Russia values the genuine desire of its BRICS partners to help resolve the Ukrainian crisis.

On cooperation and sanctions: Russia is open to mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries, without exception, based on the principles of equal rights, non-interference in internal affairs, and strict adherence to international law.

Moscow stands for the development of a fair system of international economic relations, free from unfair competition, illegitimate unilateral sanctions, and politically motivated restrictions.

Russia does not seek confrontation and hopes that Europe will adopt a rational, balanced approach to cooperation.

On foreign policy: Russia’s foreign policy is based on a constructive approach that takes into account both its own interests and global trends.

On the situation in the Middle East: Russia is making every effort to prevent the Middle East conflict from escalating into a major war.

On relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan: Russia is doing everything possible to normalize relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan so they can sign a peace treaty.