Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated that Moscow will continue its military offensive in Ukraine until it meets all its stated objectives, asserting that Russia &ldquo;did not start the war&rdquo; and accusing Western nations of provoking the conflict.
In an interview during his India visit, Putin said the ongoing operation would only conclude once goals such as &ldquo;liberating Donbas&rdquo; are achieved. 
He argued that Ukraine&rsquo;s actions, &ldquo;under the influence of the West&rdquo;, were responsible for drawing Russia into the conflict that has now stretched nearly four years.
"Our special military operation isn't the start of a war, but rather an attempt to end one that the West ignited using Ukrainian nationalists," he said.
Putin claimed that Kyiv&rsquo;s policies, including restrictions on the Russian language and the alleged targeting of religious institutions, had infringed on the rights of people in the region. 
He insisted that Moscow would act decisively to safeguard its interests.
"The point is that Russia is determined and will certainly do so to protect its interests, protect its people living there, protect our traditional values, the Russian language, and so on," he said.
The Russian President further accused Ukraine of banning the Russian Orthodox Church and seizing religious sites, framing the conflict as part of a broader struggle to &ldquo;reaffirm&rdquo; Russia&rsquo;s position in disputed territories.
Putin also blamed the West for supporting the 2014 political upheaval in Kyiv that ousted former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, saying it triggered subsequent events in Crimea and Donbas.
"The West backed Ukraine and supported the events by orchestrating the coup d'&eacute;tat. That was the point that triggered the events in Crimea, followed by developments in southeastern Ukraine, in Donbass. However, they never mention it," he said.
He added that Moscow had initially sought a peaceful resolution but was compelled to act after years of violence in the Donbas region. 
"After eight years of relentless violence against those citizens of Donbass, something the West hasn't uttered a word about, we were forced to recognise these republics first, and secondly, provide support," he said.
Putin, currently on his first visit to India in four years, received a traditional welcome on arrival in New Delhi. 
He travelled with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the airport and is scheduled to meet Indian leaders between December 4 and 5 as part of his bilateral engagements.

Putin speaking during interview amid India visit backdrop

Putin accuses West of fueling Ukraine war, says Russia will continue its military push

Putin Blames West, Vows To Push Ukraine Offensive

Putin accuses West of fueling Ukraine war, says Russia will continue its military push

December 5, 2025 | 16:09 IST