(VOVworld) – Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia is willing to improve relations with Europe but insisted that the West was responsible for the strained ties. Speaking at an international economic conference in St. Petersburg on Friday, Putin underlined that the EU is one of Russia’s major partners, but he insisted that EU sanctions, which were imposed in response to Russia’s interference in Ukraine, had led to the current “collapse” in ties.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin addresses a session of the 20th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. (Photo: Mikhail Metzel /Tass/Zuma Press)

In another development on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin once again criticized NATO’s eastward expansion, warning that there would be consequences if the Western military alliance continued its one-sided policy against Russia.
Putin noted that Russia does not want a new Cold War with the West, stressing that Moscow’s policy is aimed at cooperation and search for compromise. He said that Russia is prepared to work with any candidate American voters elect.
But, he added, Russia does not want Washington to interfere in Russian issues. He said he agrees with an American proposal to include Syrian opposition representatives in the Syrian government. He emphasized that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has agreed on the need for a political process.