Putin made the remarks during his annual "Direct Line" end-of-year press conference held in Moscow, a four-and-a-half-hour question-and-answer session with citizens and journalists.
Putin warned Russia could expand its territorial control in Ukraine if peace talks fail, saying Moscow prefers diplomacy but is ready to act militarily. The remarks come amid intensified US-led negotiations, with major disagreements persisting over territory, NATO and security guarantees.
Ukraine has signalled that it may be willing to give up its long-standing goal of joining NATO if it receives firm security guarantees from Western allies, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said ahead of key meetings with US envoys and European partners in Berlin
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the new US National Security Strategy shows a major shift, including questioning NATO expansion and avoiding calls to pressure Moscow. She also raised concerns over US plans for "energy dominance," missile defence, and increased milit
"There is no strategic logic for the United States embracing Pakistan. It should not be a major non-NATO ally. It should be designated a state sponsor of terrorism, period. If Asim Munir comes to the United States, he should be arrested rather than honoured," Michael Rubin said.
Addressing questions on NATO expansion, Ukraine's leadership, and US involvement in peace efforts, Putin said in an interview with India Today that Ukraine's security shouldn't come at the cost of Russia's security concerns.
Ukraine's push for NATO membership emerged as a "key question" of discussion during Russian President Vladimir Putin's meeting with senior American officials in Moscow, the Kremlin said.
The official, speaking as US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll held talks with Russian representatives in Abu Dhabi, said, "The Ukrainians have agreed to the peace deal. There are some minor details to be sorted out but they have agreed to a peace deal."
US and Ukrainian officials held what Marco Rubio called their "most productive" talks yet in Geneva on a peace plan proposed by President Trump. Kyiv said key concerns were addressed, though divisions remain. European leaders urged more revisions as diplomatic efforts continue.
Even when all seemed well after last Trump-Zelenskyy meet, including clothes and assistance in war, the new hurling is a grim reminder of volatility in the White House.
The draft is said to ask Ukraine to pull out from the remaining parts of the new Russian regions in Donbass still under its control, reduce its military strength by at least half, surrender certain weapons systems and drop its bid to join NATO.
Turkiye's Directorate of Communications rejected Indian media reports linking it to terrorist acts in India, calling them a "malicious disinformation campaign." It said Turkiye "firmly rejects all acts of terrorism" and urged the public not to believe "unfounded and manipulative" claims t