Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Western claims regarding a Russian threat, arguing that neither Moscow nor the European people desire a war. During an interview, he stated that the goal of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia is unrealistic. Putin highlighted the historical and fraternal ties between Russians and Ukrainians, attributing the start of the current conflict to Ukraine's decisions in 2014. He expressed Moscow's readiness for negotiations aimed at securing a lasting peace agreement, rejecting the idea of a temporary ceasefire. According to the President, future diplomatic efforts must address security guarantees for both parties and encompass the broader architecture of European security.