Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia would like to see its relationship with the European Union (EU) to "return to a fully-fledged basis."

Putin made the remarks at a joint press conference after meeting Finnish President Sauli Niinisto in Finland's capital Helsinki. He said Russia hopes the new leadership of the EU would show a constructive approach to relations with Russia.

The Russian president also appreciated Finland's effort to make Russia part of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly.

Putin confirmed that Russia aims at offering an electronic visa system for Europeans visiting the St. Petersburg area free of charge, set to begin in October.

Regarding Ukraine, Niinisto said he understands "something practical is being done." Niinisto said he will be visiting Ukraine in September and said he can support the ongoing efforts.

Nord Stream Two

Putin thanked Finland for its pragmatic approach to the gas pipeline Nord Stream Two. He said the installation work within the Finnish economic zone in the Baltic Sea has seen its completion.

Niinisto noted that both Finland and Sweden have viewed the new gas pipe line as an environmental and legal issue only. Nord Stream Two and the already existing Nord Stream One carry Russian natural gas to continental Europe, although Finland is not among its delivery destinations.

Putin discussed at length the European gas market and noted the U.S. has attempted to convince Europeans in using American liquefied natural gas, adding that it is more expensive and in the end the price would be subsidized by European governments. Putin said he is convinced that the Nord Stream Two will be completed.

INF Treaty 

During their meeting, Putin expressed Russia's  disappointment with the U.S. test of a land-based intermediate range missile only days after the termination of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) - an agreement that limited missile deployment to the two Cold War era superpowers. 

Niinisto said the situation without an agreement on intermediate range missiles is problematic for Europe, and new talks should be held. 

(Cover image: Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto when arriving in Helsinki for a visit to Finland on August 21, 2019. / Xinhua Photo)