Putin Makes Ukraine Debt Offer in Thaw After Paris Attacks
- Russia proposes Ukraine pay $1 billion a year through 2018
- Putin seeks U.S., EU guarantees on Ukraine's $3 billion debt
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President Vladimir Putin offered to restructure a disputed $3 billion bond owed by Ukraine, the latest sign that Russia’s standoff with the U.S. and Europe may be relenting in the wake of last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris.
Speaking Monday at a Group of 20 meeting in Antalya, Turkey focused on rebuilding ties to fight extremism, Putin proposed lifting a December deadline and spreading payments over three years. That’s the first time Russia has said it’s ready to soften its stance on the debt it bought from former Ukrainian leader Viktor Yanukovych in December 2013, months before he was overthrown and Russia annexed Crimea.