During the broadcast of "Direct Line" on December 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused "American friends" of provoking the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began with the events of the Revolution of Dignity in 2014.
Putin claims that before the beginning of the conflict, Russia tried to build normal relations with Ukraine, taking into account their historical and cultural common past. According to him, the south-east of Ukraine has always supported Russia in elections due to the pro-Russian sentiment of the population.
However, Putin points to the events of 2014, which, in his opinion, damaged relations between the countries. He claims that after the coup in Ukraine it became clear that Russia will not be allowed to build normal relations.
"We did not spoil relations, they spoiled relations with us, neglecting our interests. What started the conflict in Ukraine? Since the 2014 coup," Putin said.
According to him, the entire south-east of Ukraine allegedly supported Russia, because these are "historically Russian territories".
"Why is Ukraine here? Odesa is a Russian city, everyone knows it well. They invented historical nonsense. The Southeast always voted for those who campaigned on pro-Russian slogans in elections, and in general Russia was quite satisfied with this. But after the 2014 coup, it became clear that we will not be allowed to build normal relations," Putin added.
The head of the Kremlin also expressed the opinion that "American friends" were at the source of the conflict, actively provoking it. According to him, the USA and Europe arranged the situation when "creeping to the borders of Russia" became a necessity.
"The USA organized, Europe plays along and sings along. How to build a relationship with them? They make many decisions to their own detriment," Putin added.
He also criticized the position of some European leaders who, according to him, do not act in accordance with the interests of their countries, like General De Gaulle and Marshal Pétain.
