President Vladimir Putin said on Friday Russia did not hold a grudge against the European Union and was ready to work to improve relations with the bloc, which he said was still a key trade partner.
Speaking at the annual St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin played down economic difficulties caused by Western sanctions imposed over the Ukraine crisis and low international oil prices, painting a bullish picture of an economy that is on the mend and open for business with foreign partners.
“We do not hold a grudge and are ready to meet our European partners halfway,” Putin told the forum. …read more
Source: Daily News & Analysis
