Putin berates US and EU envoys, top official says US aid fuelling Ukraine war's 'hot phase'

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a ceremony to receive diplomatic credentials from newly appointed foreign ambassadors at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, April 5, 2023. Sputnik/Vladimir Astapkovich/Pool via REUTERS

(Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin told the new U.S. and EU ambassadors in blunt language on Wednesday that their countries were responsible for a dramatic deterioration in relations since Russia sent its armed forces into Ukraine last year.

The ambassadors were among 17 who presented their diplomatic credentials to Putin at a televised ceremony in the Kremlin.