Putin sends message to Europe amid Ukraine conflict: ‘No aggressive intentions’

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signalled seeking better ties with European countries in the midst of escalating conflict with Ukraine.

Speaking at a meeting of the Military-industrial Commission on Friday, Putin blamed some European leaders of preparing for war with Russia by leveraging the conflict in Ukraine. Moreover, they also used the alleged Russian threat to justify their confrontational policies.

“In my view, they are simply trying to save their falling ratings, covering up mistakes in their economic and social policies. But it is not really working; it does not help.”

Putin continued, instead of stopping and listening to their citizens, who in elections clearly show that they do not want any war with Russia, these leaders continue to escalate the situation further.

But the president clarified that despite these plans, Russia has no aggressive intentions toward Europe.

He said, “I want to state once again: Russia has no aggressive intentions toward Europe or European countries. There are simply no grounds for this whatsoever. We are ready for cooperation and for restoring relations with our European neighbours.”

Vladimir Putin criticized European military exercises in the Baltic Sea, alleging they involve plans to intercept civilian ships.

Accosting European nations for hypocrisy regarding international law, Putin warned that Moscow is prepared to retaliate if necessary, stating, "Let us live in peace -- otherwise, we, too, will be forced to respond."

During the meeting he also unveiled plans to strengthen Russia’s new State Armament Program stating that it would focus on modernizing the armed forces and defense industry amid global conflicts. 

His remarks came as Russia-Ukraine conflict has seen escalation in recent weeks marked by deadly strikes exchanges.