Which side is he on? Blair speaks at Putin's 'vanity summit' A DAY after Ukraine job offer
TONY Blair faces accusations of courting both sides of the Ukraine conflict after speaking at a "vanity summit" for Russian leader Vladimir Putin - just ONE DAY after he was offered an advisory role with Kiev.
Tony Blair spoke at Vladimir Putin's 'vanity summit'
The former British Prime Minister attended the St Petersburg Economic Forum yesterday where he advised business people on improving efficiency.
But on Wednesday, Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko met with Mr Blair and asked for his help in the ongoing conflict with Russia to "share his experience of public administration".
A statement released by Kiev said: "Tony Blair expressed firm support for Ukraine, its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. 'You are now facing great challenges in the spheres of security and reforms,' he said."
Mr Blair then jetted off to St Petersburg for Mr Putin's event, which critics of the Russian leader have attacked as a "vanity summit".
The Russian president wanted it to be similar to the prestigious World Economic Forum in Davos but his event has been snubbed by most global leaders.
Mr Putin at his event in Russia, labelled a "vanity summit"
Tony Blair expressed firm support for Ukraine, its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity
Mr Blair told the audience of business people they should follow lessons from when he was Prime Minister to speed up school and hospital reforms.
The ex-Labour leader did not comment on the ongoing Ukraine conflict or sanctions imposed on Russia as a result of Mr Putin's aggression in the region.
A spokesman for Mr Blair said he received no payment for the Russia speech.
He added: "He discussed leading reform programmes and improving the delivery of public services, having established the Delivery Unit while Prime Minister and worked on the issue of governance since leaving office."
It was also said Mr Blair has yet to make a decision on the offer from Ukraine.
However, Mr Blair continues to expand the business empire he launched after leaving Downing Street.
Last week it was revealed Mr Blair costs taxpayers up to £16,000 a week in flights across the globe as part of his private business links.