Putin: Russia Concerned by Threat of Ethnic Cleansing in Ukraine

Sputnik News

02:28 17.11.2014(updated 04:04 17.11.2014)

In an interview with German channel ARD Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow was concerned by the risk of ethnic cleansing in Ukraine, adding that Kiev should stop using force in southeastern regions and create conditions for a political dialogue.

MOSCOW, November 17 (Sputnik) – Moscow is concerned by the risk of ethnic cleansing in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Sunday.

'We are very concerned that an idea of ethnic cleansing could arise there. We are afraid of Ukraine slipping into neo-Nazism," the Russian leader said in an interview with German ARD broadcaster.

"It will be a disaster for Ukraine and Ukrainian people,' he stressed.

Kiev Should Stop Attacks, Launch Dialogue to Preserve Ukraine Integrity

In order to preserve integrity of Ukraine, Kiev government should stop using force in southeastern regions and create conditions for a political dialogue, added Vladimir Putin.

'If the central authorities in Ukraine wants to establish not a demarcation line, which is currently very important to stop shelling and killings, but want to preserve the territorial integrity of the country, then it does not matter if it's a particular village or a town, but it is important to stop the bloodshed, mutual attacks and create the conditions for a political dialogue. This is important. You have none of this — you have no political dialogue,' the Russian leader said.

Kiev Made Mistake Sending Troops When East Ukraine Took Up Arms

'As soon as night arrests started in the south-east, people took up arms. Once they took up arms, [Kiev authorities] instead of stopping (authorities should be wiser after all) and starting a dialogue, sent the army, air forces, tanks, multiple-launch rocket systems there. And everything ended in a deadlock,' Putin said.

'Can one find a way out of this situation? Yes, I'm convinced there is a way,' Putin added.

Russia to Prevent Kiev From Annihilating Political Opponents in East Ukraine

Moscow will not let the Kiev authorities to annihilate their political opponents in southeastern Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

'Today there is fighting in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian central authorities have sent the armed forces there and they even use ballistic missiles.'

'Does it mean that you want the Ukrainian government to annihilate everyone there, all political enemies and opponents? Is that what you want? We do not want it and will not let it happen,' he added.

Russia Convinced Ukraine Militia to Conclude Minsk Agreements

Russian President Vladimir Putin admitted that Moscow had convinced independence supporters of southeastern Ukraine to conclude Minsk agreements.

"Minsk agreements exist only because we, Russia, had plunged into work, worked with Donbas militia, and convinced them that they should go the length of certain agreements. If we did not do this, it [Minsk agreements] would not happen,' the Russian leader said in an interview.

Russia Against Being Held Responsible for Ukrainian Crisis Settlement

'I always have a feeling that there are attempts to shift the responsibility on us and make us pay extra for something. We do not want it. Ukraine is an autonomous, independent, sovereign state,' the president said.

It is always 'annoying, disturbing' to hear that Russia has 'special opportunities' to resolve crises, Putin added, referring to both Syria and Ukraine.

Ukraine Future Depends on Kiev Willingness to Respect Rights of All Citizens

The future of Ukraine depends on the willingness of Kiev authorities to respect rights of all citizens, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"There's one thing missing: an understanding that to be successful, stable and grow, everyone needs to have a feeling that this is their land, their home no matter what language they speak — whether it's Hungarian, Russian, Ukrainian or Polish,' he stated.

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