Sir,
Mr Putins essay was brilliant. Europe must make absolute peace with Russia, it is landlocked to us and our destiny is tied to it, not least by large yellow gas pipes. Under US influence we gloated over the end of the cold war and were anything but magnanimous in our perceived "victory". We made no effort to help them overcome their problems, virtually isolating them when they most needed us. In doing so we were repeating the mistake made after the Treaty of Versailles when a humiliated Germany, disintegrated both socially and politically, allowed the rise of Hitler and all the subsequent horror he brought in his wake. This was repeated in Iraq by the US, they stood down the Army, sacked the Civil Servants and have paid in blood and treasure ever since. I listened to Enoch Powell at a Dinner in Berlin many years ago; he forecast that the next Great War would be between
Russia and Europe and the USA; it would be sparked off by trade and US greed for resources.

Noel Nash, Lisburn, UK

Russia proudly takes it's place with the new evolving Europe. Together with the russian character: in part a composite of endless tragedy, as musically represented by Tchaikovsky's Pathetique. And rotating the image of the russian character, the heroic other profile comes into focus, represented by Moussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition in the Great Gate of Kiev.

zankaon, zanville,

As an American, I take heart in the comments made by Mr. Putin. I think of Russia in its current state as like a baby brother to Europe and the U.S. (as a young democracy)

It is going to have its growing pains, and unless there is a major threat on U.S. Security Interests, the U.S. and Europe needs to leave Russia alone in how it governs its people. Let Russia handle its own internal affairs. We may not like the current direction nor the timetable, but Russia's growth is up to its people. If the Russian people are happy with their form of government, who are we to dictate otherwise. We must work continually to seek mutually agreeable trade and diplomatic partnerships.

This means that things will not get better if those in Europe and here at home who belong to the "Hate America" crowd, continue to browbeat the US as an excuse to further their leftist ideologies. The government that governs least, governs best. Liberty for all of mankind!

Kevin, Elgin , IL USA

god these russian apologists are ridiculous.. and continental european media has become so anti-american as to run anti-americanism into a religion, and putin is playing this fact like a pro.

james, washington d.c., usa

It is quite amazing to me how much anti-russian bias is in the US and European media and politics. None of them are interested in strong democratic Russia, rather they are looking for ways to weaken it and hopefully break it apart, not only for political reasons, but also because of Russia's vast natural resources. That is the core of US policy toward Russia - to encircle Russia, to weaken it from inside, to justify attacks on Russia in the eyes of the common people. Only the worst is only told to you about Russia in the western media. Just imagine what picture and opinions are formed - same as if you are presented only with negative information about EU and USA. That's exactly what's happening with respect to Russia. They hide all the positive developments for the country as a whole and true intentions of Russia, because it's not advantagous for westerners. No one wants to understand what drives russian devolopments and if those developments are reasonable.only pure negativity.

Alex Chilton, New York City, USA

Do you know that Stalin for moden Russians is the most awful tyrant of all our History, and Communism is the most sad time of it? Do you know that Stalin killed more than 30 millions ethnical Russians in USSR and do you know that Stalin wasn't Russian, he was a Georgian - and now try to think what we feel about his person and all communism.
Our country had a lot of mistakes in XX century, but fortunately we choosed a way of democracy and now all our country try to work to create successful and liberal society. Come to Russia and see how we really live. We are not bears:) Do you really think that terrible bears can write wonderful books, dance ballet, fly to cosmos and play chess?

Alexander, Moscow, Russia

This American thinks there are no unmovable roadblocks to the EU and Russia getting closer together; But, some actions would speak louder than words, Mr. Putin:
1.) Open your country up to investment on a reasonable basis,
similar to what other European countries provide.
2.) Co-operate with the EU on international issues. Russia has
been Iran's biggest unilateral supporter in it's quest to
manufacture a nuclear weapons's delivery system.
3.) Stop killing your political opponents.
4.) Establish real freedom of the press (see #3).

Russia has a lot in common with Europe & North America. Hopefully, Mr. Putin will take some positive steps to let this natural closeness happen.

Bill Sanford, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

"Mass murder in Chechnya." - What about Iraq?
"Centralisation of power. " - It is not your business how we implement our democracy. UK is monarchy and we have no objections on this, it is not our business.
"Clampdown of free press." - We have thousand papers and tens TV channels in Russia, we can read western papers, and watch western TV, so we can compare different opinions. I suspect that we have more alternatives here than western people do.
"Intimidation of western-aligned neighbours." - This opinion is the result of western mass-media propaganda...
"Mysterious deaths & impulsive suicides of journalists and dissidents who don't agree with you." - Agreed, mysterious deaths. But what about presumption of innocence? Or it can be applied to western peoples only?
"Europe's natural ally? I hope not!!" - I think you are not better than we are. For instance because you sincerely believe that you are better.

Oleg, Novosibirsk, Russia

Do you know a real situation with some of our neighbours? There are a lot of illegal immigrants from Georgia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine in Russia now. They don't
like all ethnical Russians, they work in our country, but sent all money to their countries. Do you know about genocide and killing hundreds of Russians in
the 90th of XX century by our neighbours and Chechnya? Do you know that Chechnya had a fundamental muslim and killed a lot of Russians and other nations on
it territory - they wanted to kill all of them, there was a slavery in Chechnya in 90th of XX and a lot of slaves were Russian people? Why must we love our neighbour and for what? And why we must sale them our oil and gas with discount?

Alexander, Moscow,

the boundaries of Europe mast be changed it is fair
Kenisberg to Germany, Bessarabia to Romania, Crimea to Russia, Kharkov, Donbass, Abkhazia and Pridnestrov'e - to independence

oleg, toronto, Can

to Dan Bostan, CA, USA

Maybe after USA stops being the bully in the world and returns the stolen land, properties and pays for the terrible destruction and death it spread in the world, may, just maybe we would listen. etc
Return Texas and California to Mexica, return Louisiana to France, return Alaska to Russia and so many other examples like that.

Best regards,

Vladimir Nikolaev, St. Petersburg, Russia

We want democracy! We are Europeans, we love Europe! But… you seem to be afraid of us :( too sad…

Yestin, London, Perm, UK, Russia

Do you know a real situation with some of our neighbours? There are a lot of illegal immigrants from Georgia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine in Russia now. They don't like all ethnical Russians, they work in our country, but sent all money to their countries. Do you know about genocide and killing hundreds of Russians in the 90th of XX century by our neighbours and Chechnya? Do you know that Chechnya had a fundamental muslim and killed a lot of Russians and other nations on it territory - they wanted to kill all of them, there was a slavery in Chechnya in 90th of XX and a lot of slaves were Russian people? Why must we love our neighbour and for what? And why we must sale them our oil and gas with discount?

Alexander, Moscow, Russia

Undoubtedly, Putin deserves full support in his efforts to improve our relations with Western Europe. But we also should have no illusions that the aggressive and anti-Russian nature of West European ruling classes can change. Their bond with American imperialism is not only racial but, above all, is a class alliance that has no lesser goal than to preserve their domination over the rest of mankind. With the the political awakening of oppressed nations and the rise of China, India and the Moslim world , the West becomes ever more desperate to protect its hegemony and is willing to use NATO all over the world. Russia must become once again the leader of anti-imperialist struggle. This is a matter of her own survival before the present "peaceful" Drang nacht Osten by NATO becomes hot.

Ivan Dorokhov, Voronezh,

Do you know that Stalin for moden Russians is the most awful tyrant of all our History, and Communism is the most sad time of it? Do you know that Stalin killed more than 30 millions ethnical Russians in USSR and do you know that Stalin wasn't Russian, he was a Georgian - and now try to think what we feel about his person and all communism.
Our country had a lot of mistakes in XX century, but fortunately we choosed a way of democracy and now all our country try to work to create successful and liberal society. Come to Russia and see how we really live. We are not bears:) Do you really think that terrible bears can write wonderful books, dance ballet, fly to cosmos and play chess?

Alexander, Moscow, Russia

To Justin
*If it had not been for Americans we would be speaking German*???? You have got to be joking! The correct expression would be *if it had not been for Russians, who took the biggest toll in this war, we would not be just speaking German( which is not a bad thing in itself), but marching the streets( the best case scenario, more real would be the one where we were never born)*. But what do you care from across the pond? I have no intention to condone Putin for all the mistakes which have been made, after all we have to consider the state Russia was in after this druncard Yeltsin's * presidency*, but be fair to the man when he's speaking business free of politics and propaganda crap our media are so full of.

Lucy, Worthing, UK

Much as I love Russia and would like to see her aims joined with Europe, Putin's Russia it seems to me is only interested in advancing it's own wealth and status - the beneficiaries of which are only a small minority of actually Russians. Putin, as virtually all Russian leaders have done, rules with an iron fist and doesn't understand/appreciate/desire democratic values. Incidentally Russia's role in WW2 is not to be boasted about. They invaded Poland shortly after Germany and were willing to divide it up with Hitler until the Nazis turned on them. They fought with self-interest, and then abused their status as victor as much as possible to claim power over the likes of the Baltic States, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic.

Duncan, London,

All spleen is good spleen!

Keith Murray, Brighton, UK

Some of the comments displayed here border on the racist mentality. They subject Russia to tests they would not apply to other "countries" I am glad that VP has taken the time and trouble to explain through this organ why Russia along with many another entity should be considered, as an evolving element, like other European states, with a proud culture and heritage, will go on to make great contributions to a the advance of the human condition, unfettered by religous or nationalist madness.

Frank Hutchinson, London,

As long as mr. Putin neglects the democratic rules that are dear to every European his fine words and "rapprochement" will never become more than a dream for Russia. Mr. Putin should better start to improve his record as far as democracy goes and he might see a change in attitude from his neighbours in the west. I do not believe that the hypocrite politicians, from western Europe, trying to give him credibility change the opinion of millions of Europeans, deeply concerned about the fate of the Russians and their lack of freedom, social fairness, and security! Hopefully the Russians themselves will get rid of leaders like him and and change the Russian "apparatchik" that still prevails there

Andy, Europe, Europe

As long as Russia has not learned how not to meddle in the affairs of other democratic countries like Ukrain; as long as Russaia has not solved the occupied Chechnian problem in a humane and democratic way; as long as Russia has not stopped istigating puppet contras like in Southern Osetia and Abkhazia or Karabag, where puppet grouplets are directly supported adn capitalized by Russian money and even Russiaan government officers against democratic regional governments like Georgia and Azerbaijan Russai cannot talk of sitting with democratic EU Countries...

ibrahim , Ardebil, Azerbaijan

Another well thought piece by President Putin. EU's great project of the next two decades is to integrate Russia firmly into our continent. The wise Old European countries - Germany, France and Italy - know this. Unfortunately, a coalition of US hegemoniacs, petty vengeful Eastern Europeans, and exiled oligarchs, are intent on creating new dividing lines. In our day the greatest obstacle to a peaceful and undivided Europe is the US. It is time for the Americans to leave Europe and mend their own continent.

Per, Stockholm, Sweden

Maybe after Russia stops being the bully in Europe and returns the stolen land, properties and pays for the terrible destruction and death it spread in Europe, may, just maybe we would listen.
Because no one can bring many millions who died due to the horrors brought by the Russian tanks and the commissars in black.
Return Basarabia and Bucovina to Romania, return the Polish land stolen, return the Slovak land stolen and so many other examples like that.

Dan Bostan, CA, USA

"[R]ejection of force to settle international problems [is a] factor that unite[s] us." Too bad that rejection of the assasination of political dissidents is not another factor that unites us. It's also unfortunate that expanding democratic institutions instead of squashing them is not another factor that unites us.

I gather from this that Mr. Putin would like us to believe that cooperation with rogue states - selling them nuclear technology and arms - should be viewed as purely commercial activity as opposed to willful intent to throw the security of the West and Israel into great peril? I'm not sure if I believe that, entirely - but Mr. Putin would then say I have a Cold War mentality. Fine, then. Regardless of intent, the outcome is the same - and thus the West's response should be the same, whether the intent is destructive or purely commercial.

Jonathan, Houston, USA/TX

As long as Russia has not learned how not to meddle in the affairs of other democratic countries like Ukrain; as long as Russaia has not solved the occupied Chechnian problem in a humane and democratic way; as long as Russia has not stopped istigating puppet contras like in Southern Osetia and Abkhazia or Karabag, where puppet grouplets are directly supported adn capitalized by Russian money and even Russiaan government officers against democratic regional governments like Georgia and Azerbaijan Russai cannot talk of sitting with democratic EU Countries...

ibrahim , Ardebil, Azerbayjan

President Putin understands very well that the Russian people do not understand or want democracy.
They much prefer a strong leader who can look after the ordinary day to day affairs such as paying salaries, making sure the heating is available and so on.
I am sure they care nothing for murdered journalists, shut down TV stations, a press which is not free as we know it.
So they are not natural Europeans .Nor is their nature which is more eastern than western.
However, the original Union, which has now been extended greatly, was set up so that European wars would be a thing of the past. With Russia a member, one might hope this idea could be extended eastwards.Bear in mind that co-existence will never be easy with the "Great Bear"

Howard Cartlidge, Tallinn, Estonia

This is indeed a thoughtful, reasonable view and it can only be the current climate of paranoia that prevents people from approaching Mr Putin's words with good faith. People fail to realise that Russia is in a very dangerous, potentially explosive geopolitical situation, with the former components of the Soviet Union undergoing significant, rapid changes in different directions, and Russia having to adapt to the constantly evolving situation on many fronts. One should refrain from judging the actions of the Russian government with a naive, self-righteous and simplistic view of democracy. Such an approach prevents us from seeing the overall context in which those actions make perfect sense. Thus understood, we can begin to discern the rationality of the policies of the Russian government.

Federico Salinas, London, United Kingdom

I think that this is a well written article and I was disappointed by the views expressed on a variety of topics. Most disappointing were those referring to events a long time ago e.g. in the post war-era: what is done is done, it may be regrettable but it should not be a barrier to future relations.

On the subject of protectionism: the EU and USA are no less guilty than any other country. Re: Oil, see the "Campus Oil" case in relation to Ireland oil drilling.

I look forward to a time when countries can indeed live in harmony, alternating between healthy competition and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Benjamin, York, UK

"new democratic Russia"??? Please. Cooperation between Europe and Russia is necessary on many issues, no doubt, but an ally is something different. An ally is a country with whom you share some essential values and a common project for the world. Sadly, neither condition fulfills. Under Putin human rights are not respected (essential common value), and despite this column's rhetoric Putin's Russia still wants geopolitical power more than it does security through mutual transparency (no common project). Diplomacy and rule-abiding have been Putin's choice only when sheer power will not avail- if you don't believe this, ask it's neighbours.

Daniel, London,

really Phil? that's funny. pretty sure i voted in the last election here in the us.

Putin runs Russia like the KGB. We are jealous of Russia's energy? I don't think so. I think that would be China. We won't allow ourselves to get blackmailed however like Europe is going to allow itself to do in order to get Russsian Natural Gas.
You weren't probably singing this tune when there were hundreds of thousands of Russian troops ready to invade Western Europe during the Cold War.
Or you obviously weren't alive during the Blitzkreig during WWII. You would be speaking German right now if it weren't for the anti-democratic Americans.

Justin, Baltimore, USA

It is interesting to read the comments from across the world on this board. It gives a valuable insight to the inertia involved with geopolitics. A child of the cold-war era, or a child of a child in Eastern Europe - their perceptions of international relations forged in a bygone era - take a long time to forget or amend their concepts of friend and foe.

Perhaps we should take a moment to consider this in relation to the approaches to global policing that our respective nations are currently undertaking. Devising artificial geographic and ideological divides, such as with 'the war on terror', Chechnya & the rising Latin American issue, will have these kinds of repercussion long beyond our own generation.

Mark Temple, Woking, UK

This is such a thoughtful, reasonable view that one feels inclined, in this anglo-american adversarial environment, to be cautious in one’s response. Traditionally, we have never done nice in the English media unless it happens to be royalty. I know so little about Russia that I don’t know whether it has it’s own controlling oligarchy, such as we have in England and America under the veneer of democracy, but I am sure that that is what it will need to protect the equity of it’s considerable resource potential from ‘globalising expoitation’, and at the same time that will allow the sort of ‘freedoms’ we pretend to in England and America. I hope it succeeds in this respect, because I am sure that a prosperous and developing Russia, fully confident in it’s integrity, will be a great help to Europe.

Henry Percy, London, UK

I obviously misseds something. I read this because of the significance of the person writing this. The problem is that what we are seeing does not match what we are reading. Consider Chechnya. Not exactly encouraging neither was the government grab of an independent oil company with the jailing of its owner for actually verbally speaking ill of Mr Putin. Let us add that Russia is dragging its feet while Bush and Israel are preparing to bomb the Iranians if sanctions don't work. They are so weak how could they? I'm having some trouble believing Mr Putin when the mouth and the actions seem to be a bit apart.

Planet Bob, Charleston,

We should all hope that Russia will eventually become a firm ally of both Europe and the United States. There are many common interests, such as the Islamic terrorism which plagues Russia as well as the West, and concern about the potential power of China.

Russia's recent moves to suspend cooperation with the Iranian nuclear program (and position that Iran arming itself with nuclear weapons would be unacceptable) is a step in the right direction. Restoration of real political freedom within Russia itself would be another.

Infidel753, Portland, USA

And the ghosts of Litvinenko and Politkovskaya say "Beware the Russian despot who speaks of harmony and peace with honeyed words". Lay those ghosts to rest Sir, and perhaps the world will take you more seriously.

PCM, Ipswich, UK

Mr Putin is correct in that Russia should be a part of Europe and the E.U. Europes ties to the U.S. have been greatly reduced since the war in Iraq began. I think the attention of the E.U.( Britian, France and Germany) should be directed to the east and away from the U.S. Maybe N.A.T.O. has out lived its usefulness and should be scrapped. American forces should be returned home and all bases closed. Europe for now and forever should defend itself and never depend on the U.S. again. Now if we could only find a way to move Canada to Europe

Jay, Green, U.S., S.C.

I agree entirely with Mr Putin, Russia does not seek confrontation with anyone.This country has had enough of turmoil and I believe only seeks peace.I have visited Russia and the USA many times and I honestly believe there is equal democracy. It is America who is trying to devide Russia and Europe because they are envious of Russias natural resorses.
Look closely at Americas so-called democracy and you will find out it is an illusion.
My sincere warmth goes out to all the Russian People.

Phil Waddington, Chorley, U.K

Russia, oh Russia; when you learn to behave like stable democratic nations then you may see yourself in such noble terms but until that day comes there will be nothing but distrust at the running of your country.

Paul McCloskey, London, England

What democratic Russia Mr Putin? And what about horrors of comunism? During the war Soviet Union was Europe's natural ally when it was convenient for it. Before, it was an ally of Hitler, please do remeber it:)

aleksandra, Lublin, Poland

Ahh, if only Mr Putin could be trusted. If only the U.S. Europe, and Russia could become strong allies in the not so distant future. The rise of Red China should concern us all especially Russians. Could there possibly be a stronger force that that created between Russia/Europe and the U.S.?

Troy, Poughkeepsie,

We (the British) have only ever fought one war with the Russians (correct me if I am wrong) and they have mostly been staunch allies in conflights. Yes they had a period where they wandered from the straight and narrow but hasn't that taught most of us that communism doesn't work.. They too suffered dreadfully under this form of government.. When the communists tried attempted coup againgst Gorby it was Russian citizens & Yeltsin who stood and won against tanks.
Russia with her vast natural resources has a lot to offer EU.
I don't know what if anything the EU has to offer Russia?
Mr Putin how about relaxing those visa for us?

Steve Byrne, Christchurch, UK

Putin's goals are to depose the USA and NATO influence in Europe. Russia through its superpower status in energy and military prowess would fill the ensuing void.

Welcome to my parlor said the spider to the fly.

Earl the Pearl, Sudbury, Canada

Mr. Putin:
The Soviet Russia which glorify, allied itself with the Nazis and enslaved and killed millions
Twenty thousand Polish officers were slaughtered by the NKVD
When you admit to these crimes against humanity, when you admit to this genocide, then you can speak about pan-Europanism.

EJ, new york, USA

Russia is historically the enemy of Europe, not its friend. For all its faults, America is far mroe fo a friend and we shoud all do well to remember this.

Neil Murphy, crolmer,

Good Evening Mr Putin.
The heading "Russia is Europe's natural ally." indicates that you may write in another paper "Russia is Asia's natural ally. " Focusing on European events from 50 years ago, this also seems to be what is the right point of European history to compare your country with. A country which is now "coming into" European (and Asian) politics. Things may go right, but there is no automatics to guarantee it or even make it likely. Ironically the best you can do is to work for the Russian workers and poor. Don't cover up for Lenin or Stalin. They are the reasons for your contry's current lag compared with Europe end Asia.
Honesty Mr Putin!

Trond, Oslo,

"One should not superimpose cold war ideological labels on legal and quite understandable actions aimed at protecting our national interests."

Mr. Putin is prepared to do just that, anytime. "Protecting national interests" is good for Russia, but if Central European countries are concerned about their own security, it's "cold war rhetoric".

Cf. the 2007 Munich conference, Ukraine's negociations with NATO, or Putin, Schroder & Co.'s Baltic Oil Pipeline.

Marcin, Warsaw, Poland

Vladimir Putin
I think after USSR break up Putin left God and now see what happens? The creator left gets annoyed and breaks you too. Please tell your readers. Putin is religious I know so is Blaire and so is Bush. But where are they now?

Firozali A.Mulla MBA , Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania

"Respect for international law, rejection of force to settle international problems"- Right because Mr. Putin does not support the rule of law and an independent judiciary at home, He does not reject force itself just the international use of it. He uses force brutally in Chechnia and at home to dispatch his critics. He prefers rules to force now because Russia is weak. When Russia is strong again, those rules will be thrown away and aggression will return as the primary tool.

"The question of antimissile defences in Europe"- Yes this is what he's worried about. He's worried that in twenty years, Russia will not be able to intimidate Europe with its decrepit arsenals. Russia is a sociological preditor state that has been boxed in, now its time to box it up.

Mr. Cool, USA, USA

In other words: "Help us build up, alongside with Iran. the great anti American anti Israel alliance that we know you really want."

This should go down very well in Berlin, London and Paris.

Christopher Hyde, Paris, France

"It overcame the dictatorship of tyrants and the horrors of Nazism"

And, Vladimir, with the essential help of the USA, it also overcame the horrors of Soviet Communism.

Perhaps your recollection of history is not quite so good.........

Mark, Sheffield, England

Congratulations to President Putin for his appreciation of the importance of Russia's relationship with Europe in coming decades. It's unfortunate that the leader of the world's only hyper-power lacks a similar vision or intelligence. Even more unfortunate is that Canada has become a client-state of the USA . By supporting the agenda of the U.S.A. neo-con Israeli lobby on Lebanon and Iraq, Canada has lost most of the international respect it had built up over 60 years. Mr Putin has gained as much international respect for Russia in only seven years. The world would be a safer place if Mr Putin could serve another term.

John Madsen, Vancouver, Canada

Let us not spurn this overture of friendship. This is a great country with great people and a great future. I should know, I've lived here for 9 years and seen the daily transformation. There is much work to be done, there is such enthusiasm and hope. And they have gone so far in such little time. We should be applauding them, rather than criticising endlessly.

They have a lot of merit to teach the West especially when it comes to decency, sincerity, integrity, warmth, lack of materialsim (but we can thank Communism for that, and it is rapidly disappearing sad to say), spirituality (The concept of the Russian Soul is a very valid one - come here and discover for yourselves). Probably one of the very best things about Russia is the lack of political correctness - long may it last.

Alice, Moscow,

I think Putin has done more good than bad.
He certainly will be leaving the Country better than he found it. Which must always be the test.
Reading the article makes me content that the right goals are in place.
The Russians will aim to achieve them in a uniquely Russian way. The Iron Fist will always be close at hand! But I, for one, feel Putin is a real Plus for Russia. Outside of Russia there are many misgivings but speaking with Russian friends, it seems Russian problems need uniquely Russian solutions.
I think he is genuine in praising the EU on its birthday! And I am heartened to see the value he places on the positive European influence through History and Culture.
Of course, Russia's contribution to defeating Nazism, leaves us always in their debt!

John Collins, Lewes, East Sussex

An interesting and well thought out proposition. Russia needs cooperation with Europe to safeguard it's propserity. However recent decrees indicate it is not a democratic society, with restrictions placed on a free press and political organisations. There have been too many murders of free speaking people, and no satisfactory explanation for the lack of cooperation with British Police on the murder of Litvinenko. Mr Putin still has time to make a difference which would mean an honest appraisal of his aims and methods.
Stalin and Hitler were both as bad as each other, so a comparison is unhelpful and historic. The world is evolving towards more advanced societies run on virtuous cycles, which determine rights and actions.
By 2030 the world will be a very different place. Russia's greatest contribution might just be it's intelligence. The challenge is how to commercialise scientific breakthroughs. Easy really!

Chris, Letchworth, UK

I fully agree with Mr. Putin. For centuries and centuries Russia has been a part of Europe. Close cooperation with Russia may be the best safeguard to secure a Christian Europe for the next century. If not , Europe is bound to submit itself to Islam and become an extension of Middle Eastern and Nothern African dictatorships.
Of late Western Europe has protested Russia's move tot protect it's national interests while we were hoping Russia would submit itself to Western Europe 's interest like an innocent sheep.
Thanks to Mr. Putin Russia has regained it's rightful position in the World. We should grateful to Mr. Putin for that and for his preparedness to be our ally!

M van Egdom, Wageningen, Holland

Apart from the initial reference to Britain, as part of Roman empire, rest of the article is about Europe and Russia. Indeed a mainland European will find more resonance in this article than a Brit ever will. The question then is why is this article published in a leading newspaper of the United Kingdom. Whatever the reasons, I can nonetheless safely say that Russia, for the first time since collapse of the Soviet Union, means business when it is playing the games of international diplomacy using the tools and the language of international diplomacy. Sitting in Britain, one may not realise that Russia is Europe's neighbour and tomorrow the continental Europe may not be a very keen listener of "those moaning contantly from across the channel". Finally, this is not an article to and for a common Briton. This is a message to the business community and for the political elite of this country.

Prabhat, UK,

Who is Putin trying to kid? Russia is no more than a dictatorship run by a few very wealthy mafia stlye oligarch's where free speech and elections are non existant and any critiics are ruthlessly despatched. It has a long way to come before it can claim to be anything like its European neighbours.

Mike, London, UK

In the recent history's of our world it would be inconsiderate for a nation to view another nation for the deceit that it has imposed on others at the expense of the the instigator of the ultimate war crime, an individual misguided activity.

The merits of peace and stability can be attributed to the efforts of dialoge, negotiation and understanding. The mutual acceptance of individuals begins with the great leaders like Chancellor Merkel, Vladimir Putin, John Howard, President Hu and the likely Hilary Clinton.

Recognition and understanding of the Middle East, India and the Africa's are also very important but lets not forget South America who are a part of our world community.

To live together is to live together.

Michael Love
Australia

Michael Love, Sydney, Australia

1. I express my appreciation to Mr. Putin for speaking these words as a CONSISTENT Russia's Goal enunciated by Mr. Gorbachev years ago: "Our Common European Home".

2. These words of Mr. Putin are important AT THIS PARTICULAR TIME when Active Forces are fiercely engaged for the purpose of setting up a Divided Europe.

Mihai Rusu, New York, USA

Now there's a man's views which any self respecting man/nation would go all the way to support for who would doubt the Simple Perfect Sense in ..."Let me say again: we are ready to settle differences through open dialogue and compromise, based on mutually agreed rules." ........ for who or what would IT discriminate against whenever IT is Intelligently Designed to Create a Change for the Better.

An interesting Beta, Mr Putin. IT gets my Vote/Third Party Positive Reinforcement.

amanfromMars, Seventh Heaven , Global Communications HQ

Mass murder in Chechnya.
Centralisation of power.
Clampdown of free press.
Intimidation of western-aligned neighbours.
Mysterious deaths & impulsive suicides of journalists and dissidents who don't agree with you.
Europe's natural ally? I hope not!!

Steven Gale, London, UK

Russia paid a colossal price in WW2 indeed, losing 24m of its citizens. If only there had been effective international checks and balances. But, come to think of it, the safeguards haven't improved much since then.

Nowadays a close relationship with Russia would surely be welcomed by the EU. However many note that Russia won't accept full globalisation: in particular, Russia refuses to allow overseas investment in 'strategic' sectors of its economy. In fairness, though, the media report that dangerous economic patriotism is on the rise all over the world.

euroscot, Glasgow, Scotland

Putin should be commended for raising Russia's relations with the sensible nations of Germany, France, and Italy, the so-called "Old Europe." Unfortunately, some newer E.U. members and member candidates think they have old scores to settle and embark on public provocation and demonization of Russia. Truly a shame in my opinion.

James, new york, ny, usa

I like this view and overall statement. Even though Russians like peace and friendship but they don't train themselves hard to live with them. Russia has understood that their patological desire to influence the world through force and threats is over. We need Russians but they need Europe even more. Their President has worked towards stability to their country and has been received well by Russians, but the potential risk of developing some kind of dictatorial type of governing is real and noteworthy.

Bajram, London,

i completely agree;the great nation of russia will now achieve its true potential as a truly great nation--but only if true democracy is allowed to thrive--and is a very worthy --and completely essential--partner to the european union.best wishes.

martin vickers, liverpool, uk

An excellent article with a sincere blueprint for the future.

Russia is and always has been part of Europe, and a very important part at that. Russia deserves our respect, which is something people are slowly coming to recognise. The post war years were an aberration, but the future looks much brighter.

It is the USA that worries me.

I C Fitzsimmons, London,

Gospodin Presiden Putin,
your regards to noble ideas of humanism and the Enlightenment, forming the foundation of European civilization could be aploudet,but please inform your ghostwriter there was not only the
Roman Empire and Nazism holding back prosperity and freedom, there was also somebody called
Stalin who made the inhabitant’s of our Continent suffer.

ewald, shanghai, china

Mr Putin your knowledge of history seems to be limited
The Roman Empire streched from Britian to Athens?
Umm,
At the hieght of the Empire under Trajan the Imperium spanned between Britian and the Black Sea and beyond to the Caspian Sea in the East and included much of modern day Iraq up to the Persian borders.
A vast sway of territory way beyond Athens.

phinias gribble, Sheffield,

That is true,the fina destination we people in world is to lead a harmonious and peaceful life.No wars!No conflicts!

jucks, chongqing, China

Putin obviously recognises the spirit of "Russian democracy" in the European Commission....no doubt they will pick up tips on how to deal with oppositional elements !

ToMTom, Leeds, England

I like you Putin - you really care about Russia,

but please make sure you have political competition at the top of Russian power/Kremlin.....

Only political competition and constructive opposition can bring benefit to Russia in the long run...
Otherwise it could bring stagnation - without proper challenges... the same as in any business competition...

The laws are the same...

Good luck, Putin

I like you Putin, London, UK