Putin: ‘Europe should be more independent, defend own interests’

[GennGreymane]

http://www.rt.com/news/310908-putin-eu-us-politics/

European countries should be less beholden to military blocks and the US when considering issues concerning their own national interests, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the Swiss RTS TV channel. Putin also talked FIFA scandal and Islamic terrorism.
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Eurozone crisis, Russia-NATO relations
“It would be great to see Europe show more independence and sovereignty, and the ability to stand up for its national interests – the interests of its peoples and countries,” Putin said in an interview with RTS published on Monday.

He added that he “hopes” another war in Europe is not in the cards.

The Russian leader added that a certain level of sovereignty is undoubtedly lost when joining any "any military-political organization [or] military-political bloc." Putin noted that “France withdrew from NATO in order to preserve its sovereignty to a greater extent than would have been possible had it been part of the organization,” referring to the French withdrawal from NATO in the 1960s. France fully returned to the military bloc only in 2009.

Putin stressed that “it is not our business to analyze the foreign policy of European countries. But you must admit that if we have to discuss inter-European affairs with European partners in Washington, this is not very interesting.”

He also mentioned that the US has been “pursuing an imperial policy for a long time.” In addition, he cited the opinion of some American political analysts who “believe that this imperial angle hurts the US.”

Putin explained that Russia’s stance on US foreign policy “has nothing to do with anti-Americanism,” adding that Russians “have respect and great love for the USA, and especially for the American people.”

Europe fighting terrorism: ‘Better late than never’
When answering a question about Russia’s earlier efforts to fight terrorism and the lack of Western support at the time, Putin said that European governments had ignored abundant evidence of terrorist activity, such as Al-Qaeda affiliates fighting in the Russian North Caucasus.

“When I asked my colleagues, including Europeans: ‘You see what is happening?’ they used to respond: ‘Yes, we do, but due to various domestic, international circumstances, we cannot support you.’ I would tell them then: ‘If you cannot support us – at least don’t hinder our efforts.’”

Putin, however, noted that the situation has substantially changed. “Europe and the United States have realized the real dangers of extreme manifestations of radicalism and joined in the fight. As the Russian people say – it is better late than never.”

The Russian leader also said he hopes that cooperation with the West will go beyond counter-terrorism, adding that he looks forward to resolving the situation in Ukraine as well several economic issues: “We will engage in dialogue and work out a solution acceptable to all.”

Putin criticized the US government’s self-perceived right to pressure other countries around the world, acting from a policy of “who is not with us, is against us.” Still, with enough patience it is possible and necessary to work with the American side on solving global issues, Putin said, praising international efforts that have led to a recent deal on Iran’s nuclear program.

‘EU’s right wing not supporting me, but national interests’
Asked to comment on the “ironic” turn in European politics, which has seen right-wing political parties gain public support, and seemingly speak out in favor of Putin’s statements as opposed to politicians on the left, the President said the underlying reason was Washington’s troublesome interference into the domestic affairs of other nations.

Putin did not agree that ‘surprise’ endorsements of his policies or words from the likes of Marine Le Pen of France’s National Front or Swiss Democratic Union of the Centre (UDC) had anything to do with him personally. He described it as a “tectonic shift in Europeans’ public conscience” in the direction of protecting national interests, including from foreign political interventions.

According to Putin, a number of issues Europe is facing now, including the influx of migrants from places such as war-torn Libya, have to do with “decisions taken over the [Atlantic] ocean.” In fact, Europe is now paying for decisions it did not make, he stressed.

[Independent voter]

Putin threatens Europe with war. I assume he's feeling the pinch of sanctions brought on by the Russian take over of the Crimea and invasion of Ukraine?

Putin could leave the Crimea and Ukraine alone today. We'd gladly lift the sanctions.

[Acidbaron]

He also found that Sepp Blatter deserves a noble prize, let's not read too much in the words of a mad man. He wants trouble in Europe as it would strengthen his position and so all his words should be read with that in mind.

So really this is nothing new. It's getting rather sad that he's jumping on every anti-EU ship he possibly can get on begging for attention.

[Deleted]

As the Russian people say – it is better late than never.

Explains why Russia's still behind every other Western country in pretty much everything.

[Kalis]

He also found that Sepp Blatter deserves a noble prize...

Is the Nobel Corruption Prize a thing? He'd be a front runner.

[Deleted]

I always love it when an American feels the need to come in and tell me that someone is threatening me.

Don't worry, I'm a European and I'll gladly back him. But of course, it's easy for a Dutch to say that Russia's not a threat...

[JohnBrown1917]

I always love it when an American feels the need to come in and tell me that someone is threatening me.
It shows exactly what Putin is talking about, since this is about your interests and not mine.

Because finding out the truth behind mh17, which Russia is trying to block at all costs, is clearly not within Dutch interest.
Its just our biggest lose of civilian life in a war since WWII, nothing special.


But it seems most Dutch people have a strong dislike for Putin, so thats good atleast(be it for gay rigth, Ukraine, supporting Blatter, MH17 or whatever).

[Bakis]

The dog can be let back into the house when it behaves.

[Finangus]

This is the same man who wants Texas to secede from the US. So if Ole Pooty Pie is telling you do something, and you have a bad feeling about it, then it's probably not in your best interest to do it.

[Ulmita]

Explains why Russia's still behind every other Western country in pretty much everything.

I don't know what to say on that statement bro... really?

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Putin threatens Europe with war. I assume he's feeling the pinch of sanctions brought on by the Russian take over of the Crimea and invasion of Ukraine?

Putin could leave the Crimea and Ukraine alone today. We'd gladly lift the sanctions.

Putin threatens Europe with war? Can you elaborate on that a bit more please? It sounds like sci-fi scenarios to me.

[Zecora]

I actually agree with Putin in that Europe should pursue European interests, not American (or Russian for that matter), provided that is what he means. However, it is likely that what he actually means is "Europe should follow American interests less, and Russian interests more", which isn't really helpful...

[GennGreymane]

I actually agree with Putin in that Europe should pursue European interests, not American (or Russian for that matter), provided that is what he means. However, it is likely that what he actually means is "Europe should follow American interests less, and Russian interests more", which isn't really helpful...

pretty much this

[Kuntantee]

pretty much this

To be fairly honest, I interpreted this as "less American influence" rather than "more Russian influence". Russian influence on Europe's major powers is impossible.

[Zecora]

To be fairly honest, I interpreted this as "less American influence" rather than "more Russian influence". Russian influence on Europe's major powers is impossible.

True, it might be improbable, but it is still desirable from a Russian viewpoint. As I said, I agree that US influence in Europe should be limited as far as possible. I am however suspicious towards Putins motives for wanting that.

[Deleted]

I am however suspicious towards Putins motives for wanting that.

Suspicious? That implies you're open to the possibility that Putin actually just wants the best for Europe..

[bahumut5]

I actually agree with this. However, I agree with it exactly as he said it and not with any underlying motives he might have head.

Europe is mostly being "Educated" (Their words) by America all the time and it is pissing me off. In The Netherlands, we've had laws adjusted, lives adjusted and they're also trying to adjust our celebrations (though granted, that last point I can see why but they should still butt out of it) just cause they don't agree with us. And of course, the worst part is that our Government does this. This happens way too often in our country and in a lot of other European Countries as well.....

It feels less and less like Europe, and more like "America's Bitch #2".....

Though it is always like this though. Governments try to decide stuff for other countries all the time while people should just leave it for themselves to work out...

[Zecora]

Suspicious? That implies you're open to the possibility that Putin actually just wants the best for Europe..

To the degree of what is best for Europe is the best for Russia, yes. And less US influence in Europe would be best for both Europe and Russia. Of course, less US influence and more russian influence in Europe would be even better from a russian point of view...

[Nerevar]

Just because he said it, doesn't mean it holds less weight. He has a point.

[Kronik85]

I could agree with him if it wasn't for the fact that it means something completely different when he says. Putin is the reason we are having to default to military blocs. If he'd been saying this before Ukraine then it would have merit but the subtext of this is basically that it would weaken the EU's ability to deal with Putin's Russia and play directly into this shit stains hands.

I guess that's the definition of ad hominem, quick posters of Gen OT, jump me!

[bufferunderrun]

that happen because europe a disgrace that cannot step on it's feet anymore, keep reminiscing the glorious past while pouring vaseline on the dick that it's fucking us (alternatively, USA, Russia soon China, India, Brazil and in not a distant future Africa).