Putin Slams Ukraine for 'Abusing' Gas Transit Role to Europe

May 23, 2014

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed Ukraine early in his keynote speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum Friday. Referring to the "civil war" unfolding in the country, Putin chose not to focus on finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis, but deplored Ukraine's "abuse" of its role as a transit country for energy resources to Europe.

Referring to Ukraine's outstanding gas debt to Russia, Putin said "some lines cannot be crossed in the international community."

Putin insisted that Russia was trying to help Ukraine, but that the country had not done enough to help itself out of its economic conundrum.

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