Putin on the Assault Against Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has explained to SCO leaders why Russia has launched an assault on Ukraine, according to TASS.

"This crisis did not arise due to Russia's attack on Ukraine, but as a result of a state coup in Ukraine that was supported and incited by the West," said Putin.

At the same time, Putin noted that Kyiv's potential membership in NATO poses a direct threat to Russia's security.

He reiterated the call to eliminate the "root causes of the crisis" in order to restore a "just balance of security," and that the resolution of the military conflict in Ukraine should be stable and long-term.

Putin also expressed hope that the "understandings" reached during his meeting with Trump would pave the way for "peace."