(VOVworld) – Russia has always stood side by side with Ukraine even though its current government is illegal. Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a 4-hour live Q&A session on Thursday that Russia welcomes any politicians for talks.

Visitors walk past TV sets during Russian President Vladimir Putin's live broadcast nationwide phone-in. (Photo: Reuters)

Russia will be a friendly neighbor helping provinces in Ukraine get along with each other. Russia is ready to wait another month for Ukraine to pay its 2.2-billion-USD gas debt, but will switch to a pay-in-advance system if no payments is made soon.

Putin said it is Ukrainian political forces, not Russia or the US, that must resolve the current crisis in Ukraine. He hoped for resolutions to ensure the legitimate rights and interests of local people, especially the Russian-speaking community in southeastern Ukraine.  

Of Russia-US relations, Putin said mutual trust had eroded prior to Ukraine’s crisis. He hoped both sides will restore their cooperation, which will require the US to respect its partners’ interests and international law.