Russia is willing to take part in tripartite negotiations with Ukraine and the EU, but only if they are held before Ukraine signs an association agreement with the EU, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
“We favor this, but only before decisions are made. How can we hold negotiations on issues that have already been agreed upon and endorsed? What is our role in such negotiations? It’s equal to zero, but we are surely prepared for such a discussion if it is substantial,” Putin said at a meeting of the Russian Literary Assembly on Thursday.
It was Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych who suggested holding such tripartite talks, Putin said.
Speaking about Kyiv’s decision on association with the EU, Putin assured the audience that humanitarian ties between the two countries will be preserved, and Russia will treat Ukraine as a brotherly nation in any case.
