Vladimir Putin talks brotherhood as Volodymyr Zelenskyy goes to US

Siberian gas pipeline to China launched; Xi, Medvedev discuss Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin believes Russia is not to blame for the war in Ukraine, adding both countries are “sharing a tragedy”. During a televised address with senior military officials, the Russian president said he continued to see Ukraine as a “brotherly nation”.
 

He claimed the conflict was “the result of the policy of third countries” and not down to Russian policy.
 

Meanwhile, Putin said Russia has “no limitations” on military spending for the war in Ukraine. Russia should expand its armed forces to 1.5 million troops from the current 1.15 million to ensure its security, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu