Putin denies plans to attack other countries, rejects energy ceasefire with Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the Valdai economic forum on Tuesday, stated that Moscow has no plans to militarily attack any other country. However, he emphasized that Russia is ready to defend its territory using all the weaponry at its disposal.

Position on energy ceasefire

At the forum, Putin also made clear his stance on the so-called energy ceasefire with Ukraine, stating that he would not agree to such a truce. He did not provide further justification or additional details regarding this decision.

The Valdai forum is an annual event where the Russian president traditionally uses the platform to present his views on current foreign policy and security issues to an international audience.

Putin's statement that Russia is not preparing to attack other countries comes at a time when Western nations have expressed concerns about possible Russian aggression against other European countries following the war in Ukraine. The Russian president's remarks about readiness to defend its territory with all available weaponry are seen as a signal of Russia's commitment to use any means necessary should its territory be threatened.

The rejection of the energy ceasefire suggests that Russia continues to maintain a firm stance in negotiations with Ukraine, despite international pressure to reach at least a partial de-escalation agreement concerning energy infrastructure.