Putin: What's happening now is a tragedy, but it's not our fault

Vladimir Putin believes Russia is not guilty of the war in Ukraine, adding that both countries “are sharing a tragedy”.

During a televised speech with top military officials, the Russian president said he continues to view Ukraine as a <x0national brother-in-law”.

He claimed the conflict was “the result of third countries' policy” and not because of Russian politics, the BBC writes.

President Putin claimed that the West had “preferable brain” of post-Soviet republics, starting in Ukraine.

He said: “for years we tried to build good neighbourly relations with Ukraine, offering credit and free energy, but it didn't function”.

There's nothing to charge us with. We've always seen Ukrainians as a brotherly people, and I still think so”

Whatever's happening right now is a tragedy, but it's not our” fault.

During the speech, military officials pledged to continue the so-called <x0 military operation” by 2023.

President Putin added there was no limit to the amount of money Russia was willing to spend.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu proposed increasing the age limit for compulsory Russian military service.

Under current law, Russians aged 18-27 could be called up for mandatory military service ? Shoigu is now proposing to be done for citizens aged 21-30.

Shoigu also announced plans to create bases in two cities port ʹ Berdyansk and Mariulopol caught during the Russian offensive.

The speech came as Ukrainian leader Volodmyr Zelensky traveled to the U.S. Capitol in Washington.

This is his first visit outside Ukraine since Russia's invasion 10 months ago.