Interfax: Russia interested in reviving cooperation with Ukraine – Putin

File Photo of Vladimir Putin Sitting at Desk

MOSCOW. Oct 16 (Interfax) – Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that mutually beneficial relations may still be restored with Ukraine and that it is possible to end the armed conflict in Ukraine’s southeastern regions.

“Despite the current complicated period in Russian-Ukrainian relations, we are interested in having consistent, equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with our Ukrainian partners. In practice, this goal can be achieved by restoring lasting peace and stability in Ukraine,” Putin said in an interview with Serbia’s Politika daily ahead of his visit to Belgrade.

Hopefully, “this long-running profound political and economic crisis will be settled” in Ukraine, he said.

“There is a real chance today to end the armed confrontation, which, in effect, is a civil war. The first steps have already been taken in this direction,” the Russian leader said.

“It is necessary to launch a viable dialogue inside Ukraine as soon as possible that will involve representatives of all regions and all political forces. This approach was endorsed by the April 17 Geneva statement,” he said.

“Such a nationwide dialogue should give detailed consideration to the constitutional system and the future of the country, where absolutely all citizens of Ukraine would be able to live in comfort and safety,” Putin said.

Map of Commonwealth of Independent States, European Portion

 

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