Putin: Anti-Russian sanctions not to help solve Ukrainian crisis

VERSAILLES, France, May 29 (PRIME) -- Western sanctions against Russia will not help to solve the crisis in Ukraine in any way, President Vladimir Putin said at a news conference following negotiations with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.

“I would like to thank you for the second part of your question. You asked how anti-Russian sanctions will support normalization of the crisis in Ukraine’s southeast – they won’t. So I address you and representatives of the French media – you should fight for lifting of any restrictions in the world economy,” he said when asked a corresponding question.

“Only lifting of any restrictions, only free market and free competition that is fair and not burdened by political ideas and situational instruments may help the development of the world economy and will support solution of goals like fighting with unemployment and increasing the standard of living of your citizens,” he said.

He also said that French companies are interested in expanding economic cooperation with Russia.

“The French business continues its active work in Russia. I want to remind you that not a single company out of almost 500 French companies has left the Russian market over the past time, over the past years despite all obstacles and economic restrictions. Moreover, we see the interest of our French friends in expansion of the economic cooperation,” he said.

Over the past year, direct investments of France in the Russian economy have grown and the trade turnover between countries is also growing, he said.

Fundamental interests of Russia and France are more important than current political environment, he added.

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