Putin signals he will work with Ukraine leader, but blasts US
But at the same time he fiercely criticized U.S. foreign and economic policy.
In a speech to foreign and Russian businessmen at Russia’s answer to the Davos World Economic Forum on the shores of its elegant former imperial capital, Putin acknowledged that U.S. and European Union sanctions were hurting the country’s economy.
“We are not planning any self-isolation,” Putin said, proposing dialogue and cooperation to show that Russia is open for business and, perhaps, to head off more sanctions.
“We hope that common sense … will prompt our European and U.S. partners to work with Russia.”
Asked whether Russia will recognize the legitimacy of Sunday’s presidential election in Ukraine, he also sounded conciliatory, saying: “We will treat the choice of the Ukrainian people with respect.”
That was a sign of goodwill after weeks of criticizing the election, which had raised the prospect of Russia not recognizing the new leader’s legitimacy. Putin added that “after the election we will work with the newly elected structure.”
But, describing Ukraine as in civil war, he peppered his speech with criticism of the United States, accusing it of instigating a coup d’etat in the ex-Soviet republic, aggravating global economic problems and suggesting it wanted to draw Kyiv into former Cold War foe NATO.
“The world has changed,” Putin said. “The unipolar vision of the world … has failed.”
Reverting repeatedly to the anti-U.S. rhetoric that has been a hallmark of his third term as president since May 2012, he appeared to try to drive a wedge between the United States and Europe by praising European companies for being more pragmatic in their softer response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
Underlining his discontent with the United States over Ukraine, he highlighted Russia’s growing ties with Beijing by inviting on to the stage visiting Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao.
As ties with the West sour, Russia has nurtured relations with Asia, and signed a 30-year, $400-billion natural gas supply deal with China this week when Putin was visiting Shanghai.
News.Az