On Friday, President Vladimir Putin encouraged Russia’s neighbors not to increase tensions, eight days after Moscow dispatched troops into Ukraine.

“There are no ill will against our neighbors. Also, I would encourage them not to exacerbate the matter or impose any limits. We have fulfilled all of our duties and will continue to do so “Putin stated during a broadcast speech.

“We see no need to exacerbate or worsen our relationships here. And all of our acts, if they occur, are always in response to hostile activities, actions against the Russian Federation.”

Putin was shown on TV taking part online, from his residence outside Moscow, in a flag-raising ceremony for a ferry in northern Russia.