MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for the provision of real economic assistance to Ukraine instead of "politicking," on the condition that Kyiv carries out reform.
“Instead of politicking and making loud and empty promises, it’s necessary to provide assistance to Ukraine’s economy, certainly for reforms,” Putin said in an address to the Russian Federal Assembly on Dec. 4.
“However, for some reason I can’t see that our Western partners and the incumbent Kyiv authorities are eager to do so to resolve problems of their citizens,” he said.
Russia has already made a significant contribution to Ukraine’s support, Putin said. “Our banks have invested about $25 billion in Ukraine. The Russian Finance Ministry issued a loan for another $3 billion last year,” he said.
