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Russian President Vladimir Putin responded vigorously to a British journalist’s question about the extent of Moscow’s responsibility for the reality of its relations with the West.
This statement came from Putin in response to a question from a journalist from the British network “CBC” about whether the president who took office more than 20 years ago feels he has a degree of responsibility for the deterioration of relations with the West or considers that Russia itself is white. “As clear as snow,” he said.
In his detailed question, the journalist addressed several specific topics, including the alleged poisoning of double spy and former KGB officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the British city of Sulisbury in March 2018, the alleged poisoning of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny and the re-accession of Crimea to Russia as a result of a popular referendum. In April 2014.
Commenting on this question, Putin said: “I feel responsible for what is happening in Russia and its people, and I will do whatever is necessary in the interest of Russia. This is especially related to the return of Crimea to the force of the Russian state. , and I would like to draw your attention that this occurred in accordance with the will of the people. “
The president pointed out in this regard the difference between the way the West deals with the issues of Crimea and Kosovo.
Regarding the Navalny case, Putin emphasized that Russia is willing to open an investigation into the case, but is asking the West to provide at least official conclusions on the matter, noting that Moscow has suggested foreign partners to cooperate in the investigation on the matter. in its territory and abroad, but these initiatives have not received any response. .
Putin also accused NATO of breaking its promises to Moscow, saying: “Compared to you, yes, we are bright targets, because we agreed to liberate the countries and peoples that decided to develop independently of the Soviet dictatorship. We hear your promises that NATO It will not spread to the East, but it did not fulfill these promises. These were not written promises but verbal statements, especially from NATO. “
Putin recalled the United States’ withdrawal in recent years from a series of international arms control treaties, including the Intermediate and Short-Range Missile Elimination Treaty concluded with Moscow in 1987 and the Open Skies Agreement concluded in 1992, in addition of the risk of collapse of the agreement “New START” that was concluded. It will expire in February.
He went on to ask: “What should we do in these circumstances? I don’t want to ask this question, but what should we do about it? Should we leave everything as it is now so that you as NATO countries can fly over our lands and receive the data? to American partners. ” While we will be deprived of the same on American soil, you are smart people, but why do you think we are stupid and cannot analyze such simple matters?
Putin indicated that Russia was forced to respond to these steps from the other side, especially by developing new defense systems that mitigate existing threats.
Putin emphasized that Russia has managed to develop unique supersonic defense systems that no other country has, and stressed that Moscow is aware of this and is ready to negotiate this issue, but its partners do not want to talk.
Source: RT
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