Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had made an early exit from the Brisbane summit, blamed the USA and Europe for unleashing a new cold war. He considered the West’s response to Crimea’s joining with Russia inappropriate, noting that it does not differ from the scenario of Kosovo.
Moreover, in contrast to Kosovo, in case of which the parliament proclaimed the country’s independence, Crimea’s people themselves have made their choice through a referendum.
During her speech in Sidney, German Chancellor Angela Merkel in her turn warned the West of the possible long-term confrontation with Russia, adding that in the Ukrainian issue Russia thinks in outdated categories, considering that country as zone of his influence thus violating the international law.
