Russian president Vladimir Putin says he will recognize the outcome of Ukraine’s presidential election slated for Sunday, and will work with the new leadership. He said Russia wanted peace and order to be restored in its neighbour. D
"There was a coup d’etat backed by our American and European partners. Then, there was chaos and now we are witnessing a full-scale civil war," Russian president Vladimir Putin said.
"We are interested that, on our western borders - I am speaking without any irony - in our brother country Ukraine, peace has begun, and calmness. And, of course, we work (even) today with those who control the power, but after the election, we will of course work with the newly elected structures," Putin said.
Furthermore, he pledged that Russia "will respect the choice of the Ukrainian people" who are set to elect a new president on May 25th.
Speaking on economic sanctions, introduced by the West against Russia over its alleged intereference into Ukrainian crisis, Vladimir Putin suggested some countries to gain economic advantage:
"Insisting on applying sanctions to Russia, Maybe our American friends - they are sophisticated guys - want to get a competitive advantage in their trade and economic relations over Europe," Putin said.
