Vladimir Putin admitted today, during a speech at the St. Petersburg Cultural Forum, that until 2014 he did not even think that a conflict between Russia and Ukraine could start.
"Many people, including me, until 2014 could not have thought that there could be such a conflict between Russia and Ukraine," said the Russian president.
He added: "If I had been told before in 2014 that this was possible, I would have said: Are you crazy?"
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 countries in the region.
"If someone decides to isolate themselves, then this is their business," the Russian president commented, adding that Russia has no conflict with European society.
He even noted that "he would consider the possibility of France's membership in BRICS, if he accepted the relevant application".
The Russian leader also emphasized that Russia is facing difficulties in its relations with the European elites, which, as Putin said, have lost their national identity and are dependent on the US.
The Russian president called this situation a tragedy for Europe. (A2 Televizion)
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