Vladimir Putin compares Russia to a bear trying to protect its forest . Putin says if the bear attacks , it will have its teeth and claws pulled out . At year - end news conference , he said Ukraine were behind some of Russia 's woes . `` Our representatives in Minsk signed a memorandum , and the representatives of Donetsk did not sign that protocol -- that is what it 's about . '' Russian President in Moscow was ready to mediate in the Ukraine crisis .
Vladimir Putin compares Russia to a bear trying to protect its forest . Putin says if the bear attacks , it will have its teeth and claws pulled out . At year - end news conference , he said Ukraine were behind some of Russia 's woes . Russian President in Moscow was ready to mediate in the Ukraine crisis .