16 Apr 2015 13:58

Kyiv must treat Moscow as equal partner, respect Russians in Ukraine - Putin

MOSCOW. April 16 (Interfax) - Russia expects Ukraine to protect the statutory rights and interests of the ethnic Russians living in that country, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Today Russia is not expecting anything from the Kyiv government except for one thing: treating us as equal partners in all areas of cooperation. An important part for us is, of course, the protection of the statutory rights and interests of the (ethnic) Russians living in Ukraine and the people who consider themselves Russian," Putin said during a questions and answers session on Thursday.