Russian President Putin: 'Why should we be afraid of the West?'

According to RIA Novosti, on June 20, President Putin raised the topic of Ukraine, saying that the West's reaction to Moscow's recently proposed peace plan was as expected. But sensible politicians will think about the Kremlin's initiatives if they want to end the conflict.

President Putin also recalled that the Ukrainian authorities began aggression against the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics even before they became part of Russia. Negotiations on Ukraine could take place “even tomorrow”, but Russia will proceed based on the current situation.

“Where the dialogue can start is not so important, the Russian side has outlined its proposals” – President Putin emphasized.

President Putin said Russia is considering possible changes to its nuclear doctrine, as the West lowers the threshold for using nuclear weapons. However, Moscow sees no point in launching a preemptive strike, at least for now.

Mr. Putin noted that the West will not abandon plans to inflict a “strategic defeat” on Russia.

"For Russia, strategic defeat means the end of statehood, that's what it means. This will also mean the end of the thousand-year history of the Russian state. I think this is clear to everyone. And then the question arises: Why should we be afraid of the West? Isn't it better to go all the way? This is basic logic" - President Putin shared./.