Publish date25 May 2014 - 11:28
Story Code : 159594

West ignoring Russia’s interests in Ukraine: Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the West of ignoring Moscow's security and economic interests in Ukraine.
West ignoring Russia’s interests in Ukraine: Putin
Speaking to representatives of news agencies in the Russian city of Saint Petersburg on Saturday, Putin said the West is seeking its own interests, particularly the possibility that Ukraine could one day join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

"Where is the guarantee that, after the forceful change of power, Ukraine will not tomorrow end up in NATO?" Putin said.

The Kremlin has long expressed concerns that the new Kiev government could take the country into the Western military alliance.

"We hear only one answer, as if on a record: Every nation has a right to determine on its own the security system in which it wants to live, and that doesn't concern you," he added.

Putin's latest remarks came on the eve of Ukraine's presidential election, which is slated to be held on Sunday.

On Friday, the Russian president said Moscow would respect any government formed after the vote.

Speaking at the International Economic Forum in Saint Petersburg, Putin said, “We understand that the people of Ukraine want their country to emerge from this crisis. We will treat their choice with respect.”

He said Russia is interested in conditions being created for stabilization of the situation in the crisis-hit nation.

Putin also criticized Kiev’s operations in southeastern Ukraine, saying he hopes all military actions will be ended as soon as the election is held.

Ukraine’s acting President Oleksandr Turchynov ordered the military operations in mid-April in a bid to root out pro-Russia protests.

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