Russia Ready for Deeper Cooperation with Former USSR Republics, Says Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has shared his views on the situation in the former Soviet republics during an interview with the "Rossiya-24" television network. According to Interfax, the President of the Russian Federation emphasized that modern Russia recognizes today's geopolitical realities.

"Naturally, we are concerned about threats that may arise somewhere," Putin stated. At the same time, he highlighted that Russia maintains allied and friendly relations with many former USSR republics, including Kazakhstan. There are CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) and economic unions in place.

"But we do not force anyone into it. I repeat once again, we are looking for compromise paths that will lead to a situation satisfactory for our partners. The negotiation process is always difficult, but 'we are filled with patience and search for acceptable solutions for all of us,'" the Russian leader noted.

As an example, he referred to the European Union, which is developing but is not compared to the Soviet Union. "This is a voluntary matter; we would be quite satisfied if we have stable friendly relations even in a bilateral format. We are ready for that, once again emphasizing that we recognize today’s geopolitical realities," Putin said, adding that Russia is also prepared for deeper cooperation with the former USSR republics.

According to Putin, Russia sees the military occupation of Ukraine has begun. However, he expressed hope that these concerns will be taken seriously by those responsible. The President of the Russian Federation emphasized that it is essential for Russia not to create problems and threats for its country.

"And we see that the military occupation of this territory (Ukraine) has begun. That is what concerns us. I have already spoken about this many times. I believe that our concerns will eventually be heard by those who are doing this," Putin stated.

The Russian president mentioned that this is not being done by Ukraine, but rather the territory and people of this country are being used in this manner. "I have high hopes that our concerns will be taken seriously," he said.

Earlier on Monday, an article titled "On the Historic Unity of Russians and Ukrainians" was published on the Kremlin website, wherein Putin emphasized that Russia respects the Ukrainian language and traditions, as well as the desire of Ukrainians to see their state free, secure, and prosperous. He expressed the conviction that Russia and Ukraine together will always be stronger and more successful.