Russian President Vladimir Putin "hopes" he doesn't need to use the military in eastern Ukraine. The Kremlin leader said so during the direct line with the nation, the traditional interview lasting several hours which is broadcast every year on various Russian TV and radio stations.
“I remind you that the Federation Council has given the president the right to use the armed forces in Ukraine – specified Putin -. But I really hope that I won't have to exercise this right and that with political and diplomatic means we will be able to solve everything. Or at least today's most acute problems in Ukraine”.
The Russian President then reiterated that Moscow will do everything possible "to help residents of the eastern regions of Ukraine defend their rights" and that Europe depends on Gazprom's supplies and "is unable" to stop buying methane from Russia. In any case, Putin does not want to hear about the "new iron curtain", which "was about the Soviet Union. We have no intention of locking anyone up, let alone our own people."
Lastly, according to the Kremlin leader, Italy's European presidency semester - which will begin in July - will give "new impetus" to EU-Russia relations, since Rome "is one of our traditional partners in Europe" and "one of our most important economic and commercial partners".
