Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Monday that Ukraine has been turned into a “bargaining chip” by the West to pursue its geopolitical goals. In an interview with Mongolia’s Onoodor newspaper, ahead of his official visit to the country, Putin accused the US-led collective West of deliberately pursuing an anti-Russia policy and exerting control over Ukraine for decades. Putin argued that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has historical roots, blaming the West for orchestrating the 2014 Maidan protests that led to the ouster of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, labeling it a “coup.” He also accused Ukraine’s government of fostering hatred against Russia and claimed that the West continues to support Ukraine as a weapon against Russia. Putin reiterated Moscow’s intent to achieve its goals in the ongoing conflict, which Russia refers to as a “special military operation,” to ensure the security of Russia and its citizens. — Agencies