You're reading: Putin: Trade between Russia, Ukraine in 2011 could reach $50 billion

St. Petersburg - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said he hopes that trade between Russia and Ukraine will reach $50 billion in 2011.

"We can reach $50 billion by the end of the year," Putin said at a meeting with the Ukrainian prime minister on Wednesday.

This is significantly more than the pre-crisis level, the Russian premier said.

Trade between the two countries stood at $33 billion in the first half of 2011.

In 2010, Russia’s investment in the Ukrainian economy was $1.1 billion, Ukraine’s investment $200 million, Putin added.