Russian president Vladimir Putin said this speaking with his annual address to the Federal Assembly of Russia.
‘It is well known that Russia not only supported Ukraine and other brother republics of former USSR in their pursuit of sovereignty, but also substantially contributed to this process in the late 90s. Since then nothing has changed in our position. Every nation has the inalienable right for its proper way of development, for chose of allies, form of political organization of society, building of economy and ensuring security’, – said Putin.
He added that ‘Russia would always treat this with respect. Ant it also concerns Ukraine, Ukrainian brother nation’.
We remind that in March 2014 Russia invaded Crimean peninsula and annexed it after illegal referendum. Then it began to destabilize situation in Donbas. The so-called Donetsk and Lunansk ‘People’s Republics’ were created with direct participation and military support from Russia. This state continues supplying terrorists in eastern Ukraine with weapon, military equipment and ammunition. In addition, it sends regular troops and mercenaries to Ukraine.
Previously we reported that according to former president of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma, Negotiations in Minsk may resume the next week.
Source: unian.ua