Sovereignty plays a key role in the modern world, including for economic development, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday.
"In the modern world, this [sovereignty] has always been important, but today especially, when sovereignty plays, you can say, a key role, including for economic development," Putin told reporters, adding that the strengthening Russia's sovereignty is one of the goals of the special military operation.
The European Union completely lacks sovereignty today, which has led to the loss of its economic independence, Putin said.
"It was clear that the EU and Europe did not have much sovereignty, but today it is obvious that they have none at all. This immediately leads to economic losses in the critical situation that has developed, and the loss of political sovereignty now leads to the loss of economic sovereignty and colossal losses," Putin said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the critical need for continued negotiations with Ukraine during discussions in Istanbul, stating: "Dialogue remains essential for achieving lasting peace." He noted that Kiev initially welcomed proposals to establish working groups for conflict resolution but withdrew cooperation once these groups became operational.