Putin calls for forming single political space in Ukraine
MOSCOW. Nov 17 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged Western partners to shift from a one-sided view of the Ukrainian problem to steps towards reconciliation of positions and preservation of a single political space in Ukraine.
"Let's try to achieve a single political space in those territories. We are ready to move in this direction, but only together," Putin said in an interview with the German television channel ARD in Vladivostok on November 13.
He noted that German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel "is very much aware of all the nuances of this conflict. As for the energy problem, she has done a great deal for its solution." "As for the security issues, I would say that in this area our viewpoints and approaches do not always coincide," he said.
"We are told again and again: pro-Russian separatists must do this and this, you must influence them in this way, you must act in that way. I have always asked them: "What have you done to influence your clients in Kiev? What have you done? Or do you only support Russophobic sentiments?" This is very dangerous, by the way. A catastrophe will happen if somebody surreptitiously supports Russophobia in Ukraine. It will be a real catastrophe! Or shall we seek a joint solution? If so, let's bring the positions of the parties closer together," Putin said.
Speaking of Kyiv's allegations that Russia is supplying weapons to the militia and sending its troops there, the president said, "The issue is that we can't have a one-sided view of the problem."
"Today there is fighting in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian central authorities have sent the armed forces there and they even use ballistic missiles. Does anybody speak about it? Not a single word. Does anybody speak about it? Not a single word. And what does it mean? What does it tell us? This points to the fact, that you want the Ukrainian central authorities to annihilate everyone there, all of their political foes and opponents. Is that what you want? We certainly don't. And we won't let it happen," Putin said.
"Where did they get the armored vehicles and the artillery systems? Nowadays people who wage a fight and consider it righteous will always get weapons. This is the first point," the Russian president said.