Putin approves of Ukraine's membership in EU

Russian President Vladimir Putin approves of the possibility of Ukraine joining the European Union. The Russian leader voiced this opinion at today's news conference after a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. "If Ukraine joined the EU, we would be just happy, as our economies are deeply integrated, and we have cooperation (with Ukraine) in the industrial sector," Putin pointed out. "Integration of this part of, in fact, Russian economy into the EU will have a positive effect on the economy of Russia," Putin remarked. Additionally, the President commented on the relations between Russia and the Baltic states, NTV television reported. "I have instructed the Foreign Ministry to settle all border disputes with the Baltic republics," Putin stated.