YALTA, August 14 (RIA Novosti) – Russian President Vladimir Putin said that many in Europe want to put an end to the situation over economic sanctions that are detrimental to cooperation between Russia and the European Union.

“Many people in Europe, including politicians, my colleagues – and I recently spoke to the President of France, I know his feelings – they all want to put a swift end to this situation that is detrimental to our cooperation,” Vladimir Putin said at the meeting with Philippe de Villiers, leader of the Mouvement pour la France party.

The discussion focused on international policy issues. In particular, Putin noted that Russia was forced to introduce reciprocal economic sanctions.

Putin noted that Russia will always defend its principles and the people who share Russia’s stance.

Philippe de Villiers said that many Europeans do not agree with their national leaders and want cooperation with Russia, while sanctions represent the language of war.

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree banning imports of agricultural and food products from countries that imposed sanctions on Russia for a year. Asking the Russian Cabinet to think of countermeasures to the most recent economic penalties against Russia, Putin urged its members make sure that the measures support domestic manufacturers and have no “detriment to consumers.”

The United States and European Union have been imposing sanctions against Russian officials and companies since Crimea’s reunification with Russia in March, accusing Moscow of meddling in Ukraine’s internal affairs.