Putin Says Russia Open to Cooperation With All Partners on Equal Footing

President Putin said Russia open toward all partners around the globe, who are ready to cooperate on the condition of equal rights and mutual benefits.

ANOSINO (Moscow Region), January 29 (Sputnik) – Russia is open to cooperation with all foreign partners willing to collaborate as equals, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

"Russia's choice remains unchanged. We are open toward all our partners around the globe, who are ready to cooperate with us on the condition of equal rights and mutual benefits," Putin said.

Since relations between Russia and the West started to deteriorate in 2014, triggered by the Ukrainian conflict, Moscow has repeatedly expressed its willingness to promote a peaceful dialogue and to cooperate with its partners on the basis of mutual respect.

Following Crimea's reunification with Russia last March, the US, the EU and their allies accused Moscow of participating in the conflict and imposed several rounds of sanctions targeting Russia's banking, defense and energy sectors, as well as some individuals.

Moscow denies any direct involvement in the Ukrainian crisis, other then helping to bring the warring parties to the negotiation table, and considers the policy of sanctions illegal and counterproductive.