Putin Thinks in a European Way – Austrian Politician

President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, Christoph Leitl, says that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin thinks in a European way. He also claims that anti-Russian sanctions have a negative impact on the economies of European countries as well.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has a European, not an Asian way of thinking, Austrian politician Christoph Leitl claims.

"Putin is a chess player who thoroughly considers his moves and exactly knows the strengths and weaknesses of his opponent,” Leitl told the Austrian newspaper “Die Presse”. “But Austria has a great importance in his eyes. And moreover, Putin thinks in a European, not in an Asian way," he added.

Leitl gave a positive evaluation to the peace efforts in Minsk, saying that Europeans, not Americans finally took the lead in the conflict situation.

He also mentioned that economic sanctions imposed on Russia have brought no positive results, but have hurt both sides and made the settlement of the conflict more difficult.

According to the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, Austrian exports to Ukraine and Russia decreased over the past year by 23.5% and 8%, respectively. The economies of the EU and Russia are closely connected.  For instance, a total of 50,000 workplaces in Austria are directly or indirectly dependent on the trade relations with Russia.

“Frustration, apathy and aggression prevail in large parts of economy," Leitl said, adding that maintainance of confidence would be one of the most important tasks in the current situation.

Western countries repeatedly imposed sanctions against a number of Russian politicians, businessmen and companies since March 2014. The last wave of sanctions came in December, when the US President announced an economic blockade of Crimea.