Putin slams West's war hysteria' as EU mulls Russian assets for Ukraine

"The comments come a day before European Union leaders are to gather for a summit to see if they can agree on using some of the 210 billion euros ($246bn) in assets of the Russian central bank in Europe to advance Ukraine's economic and military needs. One thing is very, very clear, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told EU lawmakers on Wednesday. We have to take the decision to fund Ukraine for the next two years in this European Council."

"However, he emphasised that the Kremlin's war goals will undoubtedly be achieved, adding that 300 territories were liberated over the past year. The Russian president repeated Moscow prefers to deal with what it calls the root causes of the conflict through diplomacy, but remains prepared to achieve the liberation of its historical lands by military means if the West refuses substantial talks."

European Union leaders are considering using about €210bn in assets of the Russian central bank held in Europe to support Ukraine's economic and military needs and to underwrite a €90bn reparations loan. Some EU members, including Belgium and Italy, have legal and market-trust concerns and have expressed rejection or serious reservations. Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected Western calls for war with Russia as hysteria, reiterated that Moscow will achieve its war goals, and said 300 territories were liberated over the past year. Putin said Russia prefers diplomacy but remains prepared to use military means if talks fail.

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