Ending the Ukraine crisis through politics.
Russian President Vladimir Putin today reaffirmed his desire to end the Ukrainian crisis through political means. At the same time, the European Union (EU) approved investment restrictions in Crimea.
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Russian President Putin reiterated his intention to resolve the Ukrainian crisis through political means. Photo: AP |
"We believe that the Ukrainian crisis needs to be resolved as soon as possible. It should be handled through political means, not through economic sanctions or the use of force," Reuters quoted Putin as saying at his annual year-end press conference today.
The Russian president suggested that a common political space should be re-established, it's difficult to say what that would be at this moment, but both sides involved in the Ukrainian crisis need to aim for it. "Those living in eastern Ukraine should be respected. From our point of view, this is truly an act of suffocation carried out by Kyiv in the east."
Putin asserted that Russia does not invade any country, that it only defends its interests, while accusing the US of posing threats to Moscow. Earlier, the Russian president also warned Western nations that they are trying to chain up the "Russian bear," pull out its teeth, and then stuff it.
Speaking about Russia's current difficult economic situation, Putin asserted that it was "clearly due to external factors," primarily oil and gas prices. The Russian government and central bank are taking appropriate measures. Putin also reassured the Russian people by stating that national reserves are sufficient to keep the economy stable, at $419 billion.
Just before Putin's meeting, the lawyer for Vladimir Yevtushenkov, Russia's richest billionaire who was placed under house arrest in September on money laundering charges, confirmed his release. Shares of Sistema, the company managed by Yevtushenkov, immediately surged 30%.
European Union (EU) governments today approved stricter investment restrictions in Crimea, targeting oil and gas exploration and tourism in the Black Sea. These measures will take effect on December 21st.
According to VNE
