Putin Angry Over Sanctions: "Let's Normalize Relations, Do Not Escalate Tensions"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, which invaded Ukraine, called for normalization of relations with neighboring countries on the 3rd (local time). This is interpreted as expressing dissatisfaction with Western sanctions against Russia, including those by the United States.

According to Interfax News Agency and others, President Putin gave a speech via video at the ferry launch ceremony on the same day, stating, "We have no hostile intentions toward our neighbors." He added, "I want to advise them not to escalate the situation or impose any sanctions," emphasizing that Russia is fulfilling all its obligations.

President Putin once again justified the invasion of Ukraine, saying, "All our actions have always been in response to hostile actions against Russia." This aligns with previous claims that the military operation is a response to the expansion of the Western North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

He urged the suspension of sanctions against Russia and normalization of relations, saying, "Everyone should consider ways to normalize relations, cooperate normally, and develop relations."

Meanwhile, Russian and Ukrainian delegations are planning a third round of talks this weekend and are coordinating the timing. In the second negotiations held the day before, both sides agreed to jointly provide humanitarian corridors for transporting food and medicine to conflict areas and to observe a ceasefire limited to those areas during civilian evacuations.

According to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the number of civilian deaths in Ukraine due to the Russian invasion since the outbreak on the 24th of last month until midnight today exceeds 330. Most of these deaths were caused by shelling and airstrikes, and the actual number of fatalities is estimated to be much higher.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.