“To everyone, I am sure, it is very clear that the sanctions were imposed because of Russian actions. If the position does not change, the sanctions will remain, it's simple, ”said Niinisto.
He noted that Finland is in favor of dialogue, including with Russia, because “ultimately, despite the fact that there was a place in Ukraine, we are still Europe from the Atlantic to the Urals.”
“And Europe is a neighbor of Russia. The same can be said about Russia ... Therefore, we must maintain the best possible relations with our neighbor, as far as possible, ”the Finnish leader added.
After that, Putin took the floor, stressing that Crimea does not belong to the Arctic zone.
“Regarding again the sanctions to which we have returned, the Crimea ... Crimea, as I understand it, does not apply to the Arctic zone ... After all, we gathered to discuss the problems of the Arctic. We would not like very much that as a result of measures not taken in a timely manner ... as a result of our criminal inaction, the Arctic would not turn into some kind of Crimea, and Crimea would not turn into a desert. So we have to think about everything together, ”he said.
Putin also pointed out that the damage to Russia from the sanctions is much less than the countries of Europe.
Earlier, the European Parliament criticized the European Commission due to insufficient support for the EU agricultural sector, which affected the Russian embargo.
RT conducted the live broadcast.