Moscow, 12 March 2022 (TDI): Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with the President of the Republic of Finland, Sauli Niinisto. Both discussed the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
In the discussion on the phone, Russian President Putin described the reason for the special military operation to defend the Donbas region. He also elaborated on the goals and tasks of the operation. Further, President Putin explained the latest condition of ongoing negotiations with Ukrainian officials.
Telephone conversation with President of Finland Sauli Niinisto https://t.co/amlog6d1dI
— President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) March 11, 2022
Moreover, both heads of state talked about the humanitarian issues in Ukraine. They also focused on measures to ensure civilians’ security. Presidents of Russia and Finland focused on the creation of humanitarian corridors as well for the evacuation of civilians from the zone of hostilities.
In addition, both agreed to stay in touch on bilateral relations and the Ukraine crisis.
Russia Ukraine Crisis: An Overview
Ukraine and Russia have captured the entire world’s attention since 24th February. Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine at the behest of its Security Council that convened a day before.
Prior to this, a day before, Russia also recognized the Republics of the Luhansk and Donetsk, much to the West’s chagrin. The Donetsk and Luhansk are a part of the Donbas region that is pro-Russia territory.
Recently, Western countries had been alleging Russia about troops’ deployment on the border of Ukraine. However, Russia had been denying the allegations by claiming that it has no intention to invade Ukraine.
One of the main issues of contention between Russia and the EU/US is NATO’s beefed-up defences in northeastern Europe and Ukraine’s intent to join NATO. Russian and Western counterparts held a series of negotiations to avert escalation. Though, that indelibly failed.
According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s stance regarding Ukraine is a matter of principle. In this context, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that if attempts to come to terms on mutually acceptable principles fail, Russia will adopt an appropriate response.
Contrarily, the Ukrainian authorities had been alerting the world about a possible invasion. Throughout 2021 and 2022, Russia and the West engaged in a diplomatic tussle related to Ukraine.
Likewise, the West kept accusing Russia of a military buildup on the border of Ukraine. Whilst Russia kept objecting to NATO’s expansionist agenda that is considered a threat to its strategic security.
Consequently, tensions escalated between the two countries and led to strained bilateral relations. Moreover, despite the United States and EU sending strong messages to warn Russia, the threat of economic isolation couldn’t deter Russia to compromise on what it considers its national interest.
