@KremlinRussia
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Moscow is ready to look for diplomatic solutions amid raging tensions with the West over Ukraine but stressed that the country’s interests were non-negotiable. Putin said this in a video address to mark the Defender of the Fatherland Day today. He said Russia is always open for direct and honest dialogue, for the search for diplomatic solutions to the most complex problems.
In a related development, New Zealand’s government today summoned Russian Ambassador Georgii Zuev to meet with top diplomatic officials who are urging Russia to return to diplomatic negotiations over Ukraine.
New Zealand’s neighbour, Australia announced sanctions on eight of President Vladimir Putin’s top security advisors.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Tony Blinken has cancelled his scheduled meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov later this week in protest against Russia’s stand on Ukraine.