Hours after Russian forces captured Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia has no "ill intentions" towards Ukraine.
On Friday, Putin said on the state-controlled Rossiya 24 news station that neighboring countries should "think about how to normalize relations."
"I'd want to emphasize something one again. We have no ill will against our neighbors, and I would advise them not to worsen the issue or impose any limits on them "According to news reports, he stated.
"All of our actions, if they occur, are always in response to hostile activities against Russia," he continued.
"We do not see any necessity to aggravate the issue or deteriorate our relations," Putin added.
Putin's remarks come more than a week after he authorized an invasion that resulted in multiple deaths and a rising refugee problem.
When the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was purportedly shelled by Russian forces after they took control of the facility on Friday, the international community was alarmed. Attacking a nuclear power facility, according to the US embassy in Ukraine, is a "war crime."
Putin appeared to brush aside the impact of sanctions imposed on his country as he spoke to commemorate the launch of a new ferry that will connect its exclave of Kaliningrad with the rest of Russia.
"All we have to do now is relocate some initiatives to the right a little to acquire new competences," he said. "In the end, we'll benefit from it since we'll gain new skills."
President Joe Biden has placed additional sanctions on eight members of Russia's ruling elite, and the US has teamed up with European partners to prohibit several Russian banks from the international SWIFT payment system.
On Friday, foreign ministers met in Brussels to decide what actions might be taken against Russia as it continues its assault in Ukraine.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss of the United Kingdom said she wants the international community to agree to limit Russian oil and gas exports.
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