Ukrainians and Russians are one people - Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that it is Ukrainian leadership - not Ukrainian people - that is unfriendly to Russia, TASS news agency reported. 

"I do not consider the Ukrainian people unfriendly. I have said it many times and can reiterate it once again. I believe that Ukrainians and Russians are one people," the President said during the Direct Line Wednesday, answering a question, why Ukraine is not included in the list of unfriendly states.

"However, the Ukrainian leadership, the modern leadership of the modern Ukraine is clearly unfriendly to us. This is clear as day," added the Russian president.