Russia respects Ukraine's sovereignty, would like others to act in same vein, says Putin

In this connection, Russian President reminded about U.S.’ military presence in Europe

Russia respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and wants others to do the same, which means refraining from any support to state coups, Russian President Vladimir Putin told US journalist Charlie Rose in an interview with CBS and PBS.

When asked whether he respected Ukraine’s sovereignty, the Russian president answered, "Certainly."

"However, we would like other countries to respect the sovereignty of other states, including Ukraine, too. Respecting the sovereignty means preventing coups, unconstitutional actions and illegitimate overthrowing of the legitimate government," he said.

"At no time in the past, now or in the future has or will Russia take any part in actions aimed at overthrowing the legitimate government," Putin underscored and answered in the negative when asked whether Russia has to use the military force to accomplish that objective.

Commenting on remarks about Russia’s military presence on the borders with Ukraine, the Russian president said, "And if we keep our troops on our territory on the border with some state, you see it is a crime?"

In this connection, he reminded about U.S.’ military presence in Europe. "The U.S. tactical nuclear weapons are in Europe, let us not forget this. Does it mean that the U.S. has occupied Germany or that the U.S. never stopped the occupation after World War II and only transformed the occupation troops into the NATO forces?," he said.