The September 27 broadcast of “60 Minutes” on CBS featured an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin conducted by the well-known interviewer Charlie Rose. Following are excerpts from the transcript of the broadcast.
CBS lead in: Recent tension between the United States and Russia began after Ukraine’s President Yanukovych was overthrown and fled to Russia. Putin responded by annexing Crimea, leading the U.S. and Western allies to impose tough economic sanctions against Russia.
President Putin: Ukraine is a separate and major issue for us. It is our closest neighbor. We’ve always said that this is our sister country. It’s not only a Slavic people. We have common history, common culture, common religion and many things in common. What I believe is absolutely unacceptable is the resolution of internal political issues in the former USSR republics, through “color revolutions,” through coup d’états, through unconstitutional removal of power. That is totally unacceptable. Our partners in the United States have supported those who ousted Yanukovych.
Charlie Rose: You believe that the United States had something to do with the ousting of Yanukovych, and he had to flee to Russia.
President Putin: I know that for sure.
Charlie Rose: How do you know that for sure?
President Putin: I know those people who live in Ukraine. We have thousands of contacts with them. We know who and where, when, who exactly met with someone and worked with those who ousted Yanukovych, how they were supported, how much they were paid, how they were trained, where, in which countries, and who those instructors were. We know everything.
(CBS note: For the record, the U.S. government has denied any involvement in the removal of the Ukrainian leader.)
Charlie Rose: You respect the sovereignty of Ukraine?
President Putin: Sure. But we want countries to respect the sovereignty of other countries and Ukraine in particular. Respect for sovereignty means to not allow unconstitutional action and coup d’états, the removal of legitimate power.
Charlie Rose: How will the renewal of legitimate power take place in your judgment? How will that come about? And what role will Russia play?
President Putin: Russia has not taken part and is not going to take part in any actions aimed at removing the legitimate government.
Charlie Rose: You have a military presence on the border of Ukraine. And some even argue that there have been Russian troops in Ukraine.
President Putin: Well, you do have a military presence in Europe?
Charlie Rose: Yes.
President Putin: American tactical nuclear weapons are in Europe. Let’s not forget that. What does this mean? Does it mean that you’ve occupied Germany or that you’ve transformed the occupation forces into NATO forces? And if we have our military forces on our territory, on the border with some state, you believe this is a crime?