Putin will 'respect' Ukraine's presidential vote
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Russia wants peace and order to be restored in Ukraine and will "respect' the outcome of Ukraine's presidential election on Sunday.
The Russian leader, speaking at an investment forum in St. Petersburg, slammed the West over its involvement in Ukraine -- and its economic sanctions against Moscow -- but said Russia is ready to work with the new leadership in Kiev.
"We understand that the people of Ukraine want their country to emerge from this crisis. We will treat their choice with respect," President Putin said.
Putin's comments Friday were the first time since Russia's subsequent annexation of the Ukrainian region of Crimea that the Kremlin has reiterated its support for Ukraine's elections.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/05/23/vladimir-putin-russia-ukraine-presidential-election-respect/9480961/
That is a positive public statement from Putin at that international investment forum. I imagine it was well received. Hope this helps with the turnout and value of Sunday's election.
