Putin Declares No More Wars if Treated with Respect

Fri Dec 19 2025 22:18:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent televised press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that there would be no further military conflicts if the West acknowledges and respects Russia's interests. His comments come as tensions remain high in the ongoing Ukraine war.

During a nearly four-and-a-half-hour press conference, President Putin stated that the key to avoiding more conflicts lies in mutual respect from the West. Although he echoed claims of potential threats from NATO, he suggested that the future of peace depends on recognizing Russia's demands, especially regarding Ukraine. His remarks came amid ongoing talks facilitated by international actors, including US representatives.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has stated that there will be no further wars following the situation in Ukraine, provided that Russia is treated with respect. He denounced claims that Moscow plans to attack any European nations as 'nonsense' during a marathon televised event lasting almost four and a half hours.

When asked by the BBC's Steve Rosenberg about possible future military operations, Putin asserted: There won't be any operations if you treat us with respect, if you respect our interests just as we've always tried to respect yours. This statement aligns with his previous comments that Russia is not seeking further conflict but remains ready should Europe choose confrontation.

Putin emphasized the importance of not being 'cheated' like he alleges was done with NATO's eastward expansion, recalling an alleged promise made during the 1990 negotiations by Western leaders. The lengthy Q&A session combined inquiries from the public and journalists, where Putin maintained his position beneath a large map of Russia, including areas claimed in Ukraine such as Crimea.

He insisted Russia's military operations were not the root cause of instability, instead affirming that the true responsibility lies with the Western nations and Ukraine's leadership. Critically, he acknowledged the recent economic challenges Russia faces but highlighted that the country's central bank was responding with interest rate adjustments.

The event highlighted that while some questions touched on contentious issues, others were benign, illustrating the range of concerns among Russian citizens, from economic woes to more personal queries regarding Putin's views on various social issues.

As international discussions on peace continue, with US involvement notably through Donald Trump's administration, the complexities of Russia's demands regarding the ongoing conflict remain at the forefront of geopolitical discourse.