Putin again denies starting Russia's war against Ukraine
Vladimir Putin (photo: Getty Images)
Russia did not start the war but merely responded to actions by Ukraine, which allegedly launched hostilities with the support of the West, Russian President Vladimir Putin says.
Latest statement by Putin
The Russian president once again attempted to shift responsibility for the full-scale invasion onto Ukraine and Western countries.
According to Putin, Moscow was allegedly forced to respond to "hostilities."
"We did not start any war. We responded to the actions of Ukraine, which launched hostilities with the support of the West," Putin said.
#Putin revives false narrative that he didn't start the war against #Ukraine: 'We did not start any war. We responded to the actions of #Ukraine, which launched hostilities with the support of the #West' pic.twitter.com/Yy4ZjNm3h4
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) July 26, 2026
Situation in Russia and around Putin
Recently, significant shifts have been observed within the Kremlin and among Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle amid developments on the battlefield and the international stage.
Military successes of Ukraine and its continued strikes on military targets inside Russia are creating an increasingly toxic political environment around Putin. Reports say members of the Russian leader's inner circle are beginning to realize that he bears primary responsibility for the country's heavy losses in the war.
Ukrainian long-range strike campaign and Russia's mounting logistical problems have also contributed to a steady decline in public trust in Putin over the past several weeks.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin continues to categorically reject any proposals to freeze the fighting. For example, Putin used his meeting with Kazakh President Tokayev to justify continuing Russia's aggression and dismiss the idea of halting the war along the current front line.
