MOSCOW, October 31 (RIA Novosti) — President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Russia takes the world situation and the Ukrainian conflict into account when ensuring the country's security.
"The world in the 21st century has not become more stable or more secure. The past threats have not disappeared and in a number of regions they have gotten worse. A seriously tense hot spot still remains on our borders in southeastern Ukraine," Putin said during a military awards ceremony.
"I want to emphasize that Russia has no plans of being drawn into a confrontation that we are forcibly being tangled into. We are open to equal and respectful dialogue in all issues of the global and regional agenda. Our military doctrine carries a defensive character. Its main task is to provide for the country's sovereignty, for peace and tranquility of our citizens," Putin said.
Speaking at the St George Hall in the Kremlin, the Russian president noted that the ceremony is being held on the eve of the National Unity Day – a holiday which "symbolizes the solidarity and the fortitude of our people, which helped [us] overcome any obstacles and win."
Earlier this month, addressing the issue of the Ukrainian crisis at a meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club Vladimir Putin noted that Ukraine's internal instability affects the global balance of power. However, according to the Russian President there is still a chance that the conflicting sides in Ukraine could reach a peaceful settlement.
Although Russia has repeatedly called for a peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis, the West has accused Moscow of meddling in Ukraine's internal affairs. Last week, US Secretary of State John Kerry said that the United States does not seek a confrontation with Moscow and wants to solve international problems together, but Russia should take Western concerns over its role in the Ukrainian conflict seriously.
