At a meeting with the heads of major media outlets from BRICS member countries, Vladimir Putin laid out Russia’s reading of the Ukraine crisis and the role of NATO. The Russian president framed the contrast in how the two sides approach the human and material costs of war. He asserted that NATO has shown little concern for Ukrainians or the soldiers who fight there, since the alliance lines up with American interests. By contrast, he described Moscow as placing a priority on the welfare of its own servicemen and on the maintenance of the armed forces that defend the country. He argued that concern for soldiers and equipment is inseparable from the broader goal of peace, and that Russia pursues peaceful means whenever possible. The remarks were reported by RIA Novosti, and they form part of a broader Kremlin effort to shape international opinion as the conflict in Ukraine continues. The meeting with BRICS media leaders provided Putin with a platform to articulate a connected narrative that ties the Ukrainian crisis to NATO strategy and Western security policies.
Putin also stated plainly that Russia is prepared to continue the fight against NATO if necessary. He framed Moscow’s posture as a calculation aimed at national security and regional stability, rather than a simple escalation. The emphasis was on sustaining the confrontation while keeping the door open to political channels, and on the belief that the struggle ultimately serves the objective of peace for Russian citizens and for the broader region. The president maintained that Russia would not back down as long as NATO persists in what Moscow views as hostile policies. In his view, the fight is not an end in itself but a instrument to secure long-term security and strategic balance. The position, presented at the BRICS media event, drew attention to how Russia connects military readiness with a stated aspiration to resolve the Ukraine conflict in a manner that reduces risk for civilians and for international markets alike. The source of the report remains RIA Novosti.
Putin emphasized that Moscow seeks enduring peace rather than a temporary ceasefire that might merely pause fighting. He argued that the Ukrainian crisis has become perturbing for world affairs, affecting energy markets, supply chains, and regional security calculations. Russia advocates for lasting terms that can be verified and sustained over time, so that violence does not resume after a shaky pause. He argued that a long-range peace requires concrete security guarantees, political arrangements, and credible commitments that address the concerns of all sides. In his assessment, quick fixes that offer only a momentary lull fail to resolve the underlying issues or restore confidence among peoples and allies. The remarks, which referenced Russia’s view of the wider strategic environment, were presented in the same BRICS context and reflected Moscow’s preference for durable solutions rather than episodic truces. The account cited by RIA Novosti remains the basis for these claims.
Earlier in the remarks, Putin acknowledged efforts from Brazil and China to advance peace initiatives in Ukraine, signaling a willingness to engage with alternative diplomatic channels. He framed these proposals as part of a broader BRICS approach to global security that seeks to reduce tensions and expand dialogue beyond traditional Western capitals. The Russian leader expressed appreciation for those initiatives, suggesting that they could contribute to new terms that would be acceptable to all parties involved. The comments underscored Moscow’s interest in diversifying the diplomatic process and testing a range of ideas that might help unlock a settlement. The report attributes the statements to RIA Novosti, keeping the focus on Moscow’s narrative about constructive international engagement in pursuit of lasting peace.
Taken together, the remarks from the BRICS media briefing illustrate a consistent Russian stance: NATO contains the interests of its Western allies, while Russia prioritizes the safety of its troops and the durability of peace through lawful, verifiable arrangements. The emphasis on long-term peace, rather than short-lived pauses, aligns with Moscow’s broader aim to influence European security architecture and to position BRICS as a credible alternative forum for diplomacy. Observers note that the Kremlin seeks to present Russia as a stabilizing force in a volatile region, even as it continues to oppose NATO expansion and military support for Kyiv. The BRICS audience thus receives a message that links military readiness with political negotiation, and that calls for a balanced, enduring settlement rather than a quick fix. The report from RIA Novosti remains the source for these statements.