“I would like to emphasize that this is a qualitative breakthrough in bilateral relations between Russia and Ukraine. The most important issue here is not the money that Ukraine will save or Russia will give up, nor is it natural gas or the navy, however important these issues may be for the two countries. The most important issue here is relations between the two nations, their mutual trust and understanding of common interests and historical purposes, as well as the feeling of fellowship.”
Vladimir Putin At a meeting of the Russian Government