Speaking to reporters in St. Petersburg on July 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin had an extensive exchange with media about on why he wrote his July 12 article ”On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians.” The question had been raised in his “Direct Line with Vladimir Putin,” and yesterday he made the point that it was because the “anti-Russian project” began in Ukraine and that the Ukrainian government has suppressed those forces who want to improve relations with Russia. (The article is posted on the Kremlin site at [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66181.)
The idea of the publication, which is “slightly more than just an article,” emerged because relations with Ukraine have changed drastically. “But why did I start it at this particular time? Because the conditions that are taking shape are fundamentally different from what they were only recently. There is every indication that an anti-Russia agenda is being pursued, and of course, this is bound to be of concern to us,” Putin said.
The article not aimed only at Russians and Ukrainians, he said. “I do not divide people into ‘them’ and ‘us.’ In the article I also write that we are a common entity, and so it is intended for all of us, including those who live in modern Russia, those who live in modern Ukraine and the sponsors of the current political leadership of Ukraine. They should also know what we are and what we think about each other. I believe that this is important for all of us,” said the President. He responded to a later question that “If they want to have a discussion, I think they should take a break, read the article carefully, analyse it and review some of the archival material. I think this is exactly what they will do and they will find something to talk about. When I say ‘they’ I mean the political leadership of today’s Ukraine.”
He also advised: It does not matter to us how a neighboring state – in this case, Ukraine – will shape its foreign policy and its roadmap. What matters is … that nobody creates problems or threats for us. What we see, however, is that military development of this territory is starting, which is worrying. ... And I think that our concerns will eventually be heard by those involved. After all, it is not Ukraine’s doing. It is happening on Ukrainian territory and people are being used. I really do hope that our concerns will be taken seriously.”
