Russian President Wladimir Putin has reportedly blamed Ukraine and its western allies for the lack of talks on an end a war that has been raging for about 10 months with no end in sight.

What happened: In an interview with Rossiya-1 state television, South China Morning Post, Putin expressed Russia’s willingness to negotiate a solution to the Ukraine war with all parties reported Sunday, citing Tass.

“We don’t reject negotiations, they do. We are ready to negotiate some acceptable outcomes with all participants in the process, but that is their business,” the Russian president reportedly said.

Russia has been trying to find a peaceful solution to the situation in Ukraine since 2014, but is forced to stand up for the cause of the people of eastern Ukraine, Putin said.

He also pointed out that Russia is merely defending its interests and has not crossed any dangerous border with Ukraine.

See also: Beginning of Putin’s end? Opposition leader says: ‘He’s falling apart and he’s clearly aware of it’

Why it matters: The war between Russia and Ukraine, which began at the end of February, has resulted in numerous casualties for both countries and has also damaged the global economy. Amid Western sanctions against Ukraine European countries are staring at a looming energy crisis that could push economies deeper into recession.

Russia stepped up attacks over the Christmas period. Russian troops killed ten people and wounded dozens more in an attack on the southern city of Kherson on Saturday, the report said, citing Ukrainian officials. Several cars and buildings were also damaged.

Russian jets, including hypersonic missiles, took off from Belarusian air bases on Sunday morning but have since returned, the Morning Post said.

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