Moscow, Dec. 17 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday outlined Russia's approach to global conflicts, underscoring that Moscow has consistently pursued diplomatic solutions wherever possible while warning that attempts to engage the country through coercion have resulted in missed opportunities.

Putin also warned Western leaders against moves to escalate tensions, describing such approaches as "irresponsible."

"Russia has been seeking diplomatic resolutions to contradictions and conflicts as long as there is the slimmest hope of success. Those who convinced themselves that Russia can be spoken to in the language of force are fully responsible for those missed opportunities," Putin said.

Placing this position within the conte...