Russia: “We have never viewed Europe as a mistress" - Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriera Della Sera at the Kremlin on Saturday ahead of his visit to Milan. During their discussion, the Russian leader said he had never treated Europe like "a mistress" and has "always proposed a serious relationship." He went on to question the motives of Europe in the territories of the former Soviet Union, asking whether the goal is to "cut off and establish a new border between modern Russia and the western territories." The Russian leader also discussed the roots of the crisis in Ukraine, calling the overthrow of former President Viktor Yanukovych a "coup d'etat."