Stephen Lendman

Differences between Putin and US presidents are stark. He’s overwhelmingly popular in Russia for good reason.

On the right side of major issues, he’s believable, candid and straightforward, saying what he means and meaning what he says - polar opposite serial lying and demagogic doubletalk from US leaders, con men serving monied and imperial interests exclusively.

Interviewed in France by Le Figaro, Putin commented as follows:

He accepted French President Macron’s invitation to meet at the Elysee Palace, coming with “expectations. If there are no expectations, it is pointless to hold meetings of this kind,” he explained.

“I certainly had expectations this time” - despite knowing France is a close US ally, a NATO member, hostile to Russian interests.

Improved bilateral relations under globalist, former Rothschild banker Macron aren’t likely on issues mattering most.

On resolving conflict in Ukraine, Putin stressed putschists’ “unconstitutional forceful seizure of power…in (February) 2014…is the source of all problems.”

“(T)he ball is in (Kiev’s) court” to resolve ongoing conflict in Donbass, above all by observing agreed on Minsk ceasefire provisions its regime flagrantly violates.

It begins by withdrawing their combat troops and heavy weapons from the contact line, what they’ve refused to do so far.

Resolution depends on Kiev recognizing the special status of Donbass. Instead, blockade was instituted. Sporadic fighting continues daily - with full support and encouragement from Washington, conflict resolution unattainable as long as this agenda continues.

Putin explained steps taken toward resolving Syria’s conflict, most recently by establishing four de-escalation zones. He called them “an extremely important milestone on the way to peace” - unless Washington’s rage for regime change undermines the effort, the way things are going so far.

He stressed these zones aren’t a step “for the future territorial division of Syria.” Russia respects the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity without compromise.

Asked if he can envision Syria’s political future without Assad, he stressed no foreign power has “the right to determine the political future of” any nation. “Nobody has the right to claim the rights that belong to the people of another country.”

Fabricated accusations of Syrian forces using chemical weapons were made “for the sole purpose of justifying the use of additional measures, including military ones, against al-Assad.”

“That is all. There is no proof that al-Assad has used chemical weapons. We firmly believe that that this is a provocation. President al-Assad did not use chemical weapons.”

Asked if he’s disappointed about failure to improve bilateral relations with America under Trump, he said “(w)e had no special expectations.”

Whatever the US president may or may not believe or wish, he’s “influenced by those who have lost the elections but refuse to accept their defeat, and who continue to use the anti-Russia card and various allegations most actively in the political infighting,” Putin explained.

Hopeful for improved relations one day, he knows it’s an unattainable goal as long as Washington’s imperial agenda remains unchanged.

Russia’s sovereign independence stands in the way of achieving its goals, US hostility preventing improved relations, cooperation instead of confrontation.

As for better relations between France and Moscow, Hollande’s regime dashed cooperation “before (any possible steps) even started,” Putin explained.

Under Macron, the country is still part of Washington’s so-called anti-Syria coalition, committing naked aggression against a sovereign state, showing he’s no different from his predecessor, including his neoliberal domestic agenda.

Asked about alleged Moscow US election hacking, Putin repeated what he said many times before. No Russian interference occurred, no evidence suggesting it.

“Who is making these allegations,” he asked? “Based on what? If these are just allegations, then these hackers could be from anywhere else and not necessarily from Russia.”

Putin knows no hacking occurred. Information was leaked from one or more DNC insiders, no foreign governments involved.

He stressed “(i)t makes no sense for (Russia) to do such things. What for?” He’s dealt with three US presidents.

“They come and go, but politics stay the same at all time,” he explained. “Do you know why? Because of the powerful bureaucracy.”

“When a person is elected, they may have some ideas. Then people with briefcases arrive, well dressed, wearing dark suits, just like mine, except for the red tie, since they wear black or dark blue ones.”

“These people start explaining how things are done. And instantly, everything changes. This is what happens with every administration.”

Names and faces change. Deplorable US policies continue like they have down through the ages, worsening over time, nightmarish post-9/11, risking possible nuclear war.

Asked if he intends running for reelection in 2018, he said it’s “too early to talk about it.”

Given his overwhelming popularity, he’ll easily win another term if he decides to seek it.

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Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html

Visit his blog site at http://www.sjlendman.blogspot.com.
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