Russian President Vladimir Putin has delivered a speech to newly appointed foreign ambassadors, saying Moscow doesn't seek conflict. But he denounced Western countries for supporting Ukraine.

Putin spoke at a ceremony at the Kremlin on Tuesday to receive the credentials of 28 newly appointed ambassadors, including Muto Akira of Japan.

He cited Japan, Italy and Canada and others as being among those with which Russia's bilateral contacts have been minimized.

He said cooperation on important international and regional issues has been frozen.

He added that Russia remains committed to the logic of mutually beneficial cooperation, and does not seek confrontation.

But Putin said the hostile course taken by a number of Western states to "escalate and prolong" the conflict in Ukraine is "profoundly misguided."

The Japanese Embassy in Moscow issued a statement to coincide with the ceremony, saying relations between the two countries are in a difficult situation due to the invasion of Ukraine.

It says Japan maintains its basic position on issues related to Ukraine, and will convey its positions and views to Moscow, while maintaining its commitment to relations with Russia.