Russia cannot ignore ongoing developments in Ukraine: Putin
Iran Press TV
Thu Mar 13, 2014 6:39PM GMT
Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country should not be blamed for the crisis in Ukraine, adding that Russia cannot ignore the ongoing developments in its western neighbor.
On Thursday, President Putin chaired a meeting of the Russian Security Council, with the crisis in Ukraine being high on the agenda.
Addressing the meeting, the Russian leader scolded critics saying that Moscow was not responsible for the Ukrainian crisis.
Putin noted that it is impossible for Russia to ignore the ongoing developments in Ukraine and that it would "have to be involved."
The president added that he wants to discuss relations with Russia's 'friends and partners in Ukraine,' as well as Russia's partnership with the United States and the European Union as far as the developments in Ukraine are concerned.
Earlier on Thursday, President Putin met with Paralympic delegations in the Black Sea city of Sochi, where he appreciated officials for keeping politics out of the Winter Paralympics being hosted by Russia.
Putin has already said that what Russia is doing in Ukraine's Black Sea Crimea peninsula has not violated international law since it got involved after the Russian-speaking population of Crimea called for its help.
The Russian president pointed out that he was answering calls for help from ethnic Russians in Crimea who believe EU supporters in Ukraine will pose a threat to them when the pro-West government is installed.
Most Crimeans, with ethnic Russian background, are concerned about their future under the Western-backed opposition rule in Ukraine following the overthrow of former president, Viktor Yanukovych.
Pro-Russia forces have seized control of Crimea, and Russia's parliament has authorized Putin to use the Russian military to protect Russian speakers in Ukraine.
MOL/AB/SS
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