MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Thursday that the British referendum on leaving the European Union would have long and traumatic consequences.

"We intend to closely watch how far the talks between London and Brussels will go and what will be the consequences [of Brexit] for Europe and us. The traumatic effect of the referendum results will be felt for a long time," Putin said at a meeting with Russian ambassadors and permanent representatives.

"Let’s see how principles of democracy are being put into practice there," he added.

"The Brexit referendum results have shaken the markets," the president said. "But I think everything will restore in the medium term."

"Brexit is the choice of British nationals and we have in no way interfered and are not interfering with this process," Putin said.