PUTIN WOULD BE PROUD TO HAVE UKRAINIANS IN HIS KIN

KIEV, October 26 (RIA Novosti) - Asked by one of the Ukrainian TV-viewers whether he had Ukrainian blood in his veins, the Russian president answered that all his relatives were from the Tver region to the north of Moscow and that for many years they used to worship at one and the same church. "But if I discovered any kinship to Ukrainians, I would be very proud-I do care for Ukraine," said the Russian president.

One of the questions was put in the Ukrainian language and Putin read it out without any help. A TV viewer wondered why the Russian ambassador did not speak Ukrainian. "Our ambassador in Ukraine is not an expert in linguistics but he has got other merits," said Putin when broadcast live by three Ukrainian TV channels.

"I think you will agree that the issue of Ukraine's gas debt is of primary importance for our inter-state relationships and for the national economy. Chernomyrdin who was one of the founders of Gazprom is just the man to handle the problem," said Putin.

He noted Chernomyrdin's high authority in the country. "He can come in touch with the president, prime minister and government members without any hindrance. It is crucial for resolving many questions. I think he is very efficient," said Putin.