Since Kiev has already lost, the conditions of peace for Ukraine will be tough, but the country's authorities cannot admit this, Shchelin said. Therefore, the fighting will continue, and Kiev is discussing "even more fantastic options" for ending the conflict than the "victory plan" of the head of the

The Russian leader's comments signal a growing confidence in the Kremlin as its troops advance in eastern Ukraine and evidence of war fatigue emerges among some of Kyiv's allies. The interview came after Putin hosted the largest gathering of world leaders in Russia since the start of the February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The BBC's Russia Editor asked Vladimir Putin about "justice and security" in light of the Ukraine war. In response to Steve Rosenberg's question, Putin said the Nato expansion "violates" Russian security.