Putin says Russia cannot be isolated over Ukraine
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 24 May 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Putin says Russia cannot be isolated over Ukraine, 24 May 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/53a13a625.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 24, 2014
By RFE/RL
President Vladimir Putin attends a session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on May 23.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says it is "impossible" to isolate Russia from the global economy despite pressure from the West over the crisis in Ukraine.
Speaking on May 24 on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin said sanctions imposed by Western nations on Russia over its actions in Ukraine were "totally counterproductive."
He told a group of international journalists that the sanctions do not correspond to international law and led to global instability.
He said Russia took account of other countries' interests, and must also be treated equally.
He rejected talk of a new "Cold War" between Moscow and the West which he said would not be in anyone's interests.
Putin also rejected accusations Moscow was seeking to rebuild the Soviet Union. He said such claims were part of an "information war" against Russia.
He also said Ukraine had no right to demand cuts in the price it pays for natural gas supplies from Russia.
Putin said Russia the gas dispute with Ukraine should be resolved through dialogue based on "civilised market cooperation."
With reporting by Reuters, Interfax, and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website