18 Mar 2014 16:27

Russia doesn't want division of Ukraine - Putin

MOSCOW. March 18 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia does not want a division of Ukraine and Crimea will stay Russian, Ukrainian, and Crimean Tatar.

"I want you to hear me, dear friends. Don't believe those who scare you with Russia, who are shouting that other regions will follow Crimea. We don't want a division of Ukraine. We don't need that," Putin said in the Kremlin on Tuesday.

"As for Crimea, it has always been and it will remain Russian, Ukrainian, and Crimean Tatar," Putin said in his address to the Federal Assembly.

"It [Crimea] will stay home to all people who live there, like it has been for many centuries. But it will never be Bandera," Putin said.