The international situation is deteriorating as conflicts intensify and new flashpoints emerge, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

Axar.az reports that speaking at a ceremony for the presentation of credentials by foreign ambassadors, Putin said the overall global environment continues to worsen and warned of growing instability.

Putin stressed that Russia will always pursue a balanced course and remains committed to a multipolar world.

He said the Ukraine crisis is a direct result of years of ignoring Russia’s interests and NATO’s expansion toward its borders, assuring that “Russia will continue to consistently pursue its objectives in Ukraine.”

“We believe that it is worth returning to substantive discussions by strengthening the conditions for achieving a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, and the sooner this happens, the better,” the Russian leader said.

Putin also emphasized that Russia is ready to restore relations with European countries to an appropriate level.