Tells The Crimean War, Putin Says He's Ready To Normalize Relations With The US-West

JAKARTA - Russia is ready to normalize relations with the United States (US) and other Western countries without harm to each other.

This was conveyed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in an interview session with VGTRK journalist Pavel Zarubin on Sunday 22 December.

"It is possible for everything to open the desire [in the agreement]. We have never ignored desire," Putin said in response to a question about the possibility of Russia and the US normalizing relations, quoted by Tass.

Putin stressed that all can change in international relations and only the interests of Russia and its people cannot be changed.

"If we see that the situation is changing in such a way that there are opportunities and prospects to build relations with other countries, then we are ready for that. This is not our problem, but their problem. However, this should not harm the interests of the Russian Federation," Putin stressed.

Talking about changes in international relations, the Russian leader gave examples from the 19th and 20th centuries.

In particular, Putin recalled that after the 1853-1856 Crimean War, when a series of restrictions were imposed on Russia, many wrote that Russia was self-isolating and did not respond to world injustice.

Russian Empire Foreign Minister at the time Alexander Gorchakov, Putin continued, also responded with the following words: "Russia is not angry. Russia is concentrating."

"Gradually, as Russia concentrates, it also restores all of its rights in the Black Sea, grows stronger, and so on," added Putin.

Putin also highlighted the fact that some historians describe the Crimean War as a "World Zero War", as almost all European powers participate in it against Russia.

However, Putin said, the situation during the Crimean War has now changed, namely regarding the alignment of Russian allied countries in the past.

"Everything has changed and only interests remain unchanged," said Putin.