Putin urges West to act quickly to offer security guarantees

Mr. Putin accused the West of trying to make Ukraine “anti-Russia, constantly beefed up with modern weapons and brainwashing the population”

Russian President Vladimir Putin urged the West on Thursday to move quickly to meet precluding and the deployment of the military alliance's weapons there.

Speaking during a marathon annual news conference, the Russian leader welcomed talks with the U.S. that are set to start in Geneva next month, but warned the discussion focused on Moscow’s demand needs to produce quick results.

“We want to ensure our security,” Mr. Putin said. “We put it straight: there must be no further expansion of NATO eastward.”