Putin says Russia has always had good relations with the Kurdish people despite their difficult history. Praise Kurdish fighters for their contribution to the war against terrorism. Putin says he respects international law and encourages Iraq and the Kurds to negotiate how the rights of Kurds can be protected. Says Russia will not interfere with the internal affairs of Iraq.
A question from Kurdistan 24 TV channel.
Next question is from a reporter from a reporter from Kurdistan. Says that Russia plays an important role in the world and the Middle East. Asks what is Russia's position regarding the Kurdish region in Iraq and its desire for independence.
Backing up a bit, here was Putin on the European Union, beginning with a presumed snub aimed at Washington:
"We want to have a reliable and strong partner...without a third country's involvement. European Union member-states have some differences in various issues, such as migration flows, etc. They are resolving those differences themselves. We do not want to be involved. Is the European Union a single independent state or a quasi-federation? We cooperate with some EU countries separately, in some matters we cooperate with the European Commission.... But again, EU issues are not our business."
Putin says it isn't possible to ban media using the phrase "Islamic state," but that he doesn't like it when people associate Islam with terrorism.
More signs. “Thanks to the Russian people” reads this one.
Next question is from the North Caucaus. Asks if it would be good to ban mass media from using the phrase "Islamic state."
Putin repeats that he doesn't have an opinion on what the Kerch bridge is called. Then discusses what can be done to improve energy supplies to Kaliningrad through cooperation with the Baltic states. Putin accuses the Baltic states of disrupting relations with Russia "for no obvious reason." Putin says it is possible Russia will bring in small ship-based nuclear reactors to provide energy to Kaliningrad. Putin returns to question of Crimea and says in next few days Russia will announce that Crimea is fully connected to the Russian natural-gas-distribution system. Electricity production is also increasing. Says Russia is beginning construction of two large power stations on the peninsula and this is a key to the region's economic development.