Putin delivers keynote speech on economy, Ukraine

President Vladimir Putin says Russia has always supported Ukraine and regarded her as a brotherly nation which always relies on Moscow.

Delivering his annual state-of-the-nation address to the Federal Assembly today, President Putin said it is well known that Russia has not only supported Ukraine and other brother republics of the former USSR in ensuring their sovereignty, but has also contributed significantly to the process of nationhood all along.

President Putin declared, each nation has an inalienable right to its own development path, and Russia will in no way support the armed seizure of power in Ukraine.

He said what currently is happening in eastern Ukraine, totally confirms that Russia’s position is correct.

RIANOVOSTI