"The Cold War is a result of not just local conflicts but global decisions as well, such as, for instance, the unilateral withdrawal by the U.S. from the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty. This is a step that pushes all of us towards a new arms race, as it changes the global security system," said Putin at the plenary session of the 19th St Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday, when asked by the moderator to comment on Washington's accusations that by backing separatists, Moscow is provoking a new Cold War, according to an UNIAN correspondent in Russia.
"As for regional conflicts, no matter where they occur, for some reason combatants always find weapons somewhere, and that is true for Ukraine's eastern regions," he said.
According to him, if the current situation is settled with political methods, there is no need for weapons. "However, it takes good will and a wish to have direct dialogue," Putin added.
