Putin begins speech to nation: We're in a difficult situation, I'm open for dialogue with the West.

Since the beginning of the war a year ago, and despite the losses suffered, his troops control a fifth of the country, writes Sky News.

Putin said Russia is facing a difficult time and that he is making this speech under very difficult circumstances.

In an effort to protect <x0 military special operation” in Ukraine, the Russian president claimed his troops worked “to ensure security” on the country's historic lands, the Periscope broadcast.

He said Ukrainians have been waiting to come to their aid “and that his forces “have done everything possible “to solve this problem with peace”.

Russian president said he is open to dialogue with the West and that he is open to an equal security system, but “s counter, he is receiving inconsistent response” and specific shares to expand NATO and moving new anti-missile systems to Europe. /Periscopi/