Putin: Until 2014, I would call anyone crazy who told me that we would go to war with Ukraine

The Russian president said that he has no intention of severing ties and cooperation with Europe and accused European elites of dependence on the US.

Vladimir Putin admitted today, during a speech at the St. Petersburg Cultural Forum, that until 2014 he did not even think that Russia could start a war with Ukraine.

" Many people, including me, until 2014 could not have thought that such a conflict could start between Russia and Ukraine ," said the Russian president.

The head of the Kremlin further added: " If someone had told me until 2014 that this was possible, I would have said: 'Are you crazy?'"

" But I admit that people were not watching, they did not understand what was happening and of course, among other things, every person has the right to have his attitude, his opinion. "

Putin also spoke about Russia's relations with Europe, after the invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022 and is still ongoing, saying that the country "does not want and will not stop cooperation" with the countries of this region.

" We don't want to sever our relations with anyone. We don't close anything. If someone decides to isolate himself, then this is his business ," Putin said.

He further underlined that time will tell everything and that Russia has no conflict with European society, " which is more and more aware of the events that are happening ".

He even noted that " he would consider the possibility of France's membership in BRICS, if he accepted the relevant application ".

According to the head of the Kremlin, the European elites have lost their national identity and have become dependent on the US. Putin considered this situation a tragedy for Europe. (A2 Televizion)