02:33Russia: Cameron may have called EU Referendum to 'blackmail EU' - Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the ‘Brexit’ during a press conference held on the side-lines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Friday, speculating that the UK Prime Minister David Cameron may have called a referendum "to blackmail Europe."
In the press conference, Putin said he had an opinion on the matter but would refrain from voicing it or giving any forecasts because it is "none of our business" but "the business of the people of the UK."
Continuing, the President said: "Who can predict it? No one can predict it. I have my own opinion on this matter - whether it is good or bad - but I will refrain from giving the forecast. I think it would be improper on my part to do that. Whatever I say will be interpreted to the benefit of either side. That's the business of the EU and the people of the UK."
Russian President also noted that there are "different estimates about whether Brexit will benefit the UK or not," offered by those who believe it "will be to the detriment" and those who believe it will make the EU "more stable and stronger."
02:33Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the ‘Brexit’ during a press conference held on the side-lines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Friday, speculating that the UK Prime Minister David Cameron may have called a referendum "to blackmail Europe."
In the press conference, Putin said he had an opinion on the matter but would refrain from voicing it or giving any forecasts because it is "none of our business" but "the business of the people of the UK."
Continuing, the President said: "Who can predict it? No one can predict it. I have my own opinion on this matter - whether it is good or bad - but I will refrain from giving the forecast. I think it would be improper on my part to do that. Whatever I say will be interpreted to the benefit of either side. That's the business of the EU and the people of the UK."
Russian President also noted that there are "different estimates about whether Brexit will benefit the UK or not," offered by those who believe it "will be to the detriment" and those who believe it will make the EU "more stable and stronger."