Tymoshenko: Ukraine, Russia relations must be formed on the basis of national interests of the two countries

Ukraine ought to build pragmatic, mutually beneficial, friendly, constructive relations with the Russian Federation. The Prime Minister of Ukraine announced during the Sixth Yalta annual meeting “Vision of the future of Ukraine”.

“A bad tradition to ask questions still exists: are you with mother or with father, are you with east or with west, are you with western countries or with Russia. I consider it is not just non-productive question, it is an extremely harmful question for Ukraine as nowadays it is deprived of any political sense,” the Head of Government underlined.

According to her, “every country of the world is strong as it can develop its national interests in a diplomatic, nice and constructive manner on territory of every country in which such national interests can be found”. The Head of Government stressed it doesn’t imply multiple vectors but it means Ukraine has a clear and civilized choice, which is the European community, and at the same time it has pragmatic, mutually beneficial, friendly, constructive relations with Russia as one of the largest neighbours.

Yulia Tymoshenko is convinced reasons of stirring up of confrontation between Ukraine and Russia are artificial and exist on the territories of both states. The Prime Minister is assured that popularizing such confrontation between Ukraine and Russia politicians earn their ratings.

Yulia Tymoshenko drew attention to recent polls according to which 92% of citizens of Ukraine take Russia “with support and understanding”, while 36% of citizens of Russia have good attitude towards Ukraine. At this, Yulia Tymoshenko stressed she personally advocates resuming of more friendly and pragmatic relations with the Russian Federation.

“We have to know all urgent questions for our countries and build our national interests taking into account positions of the partner,” the Head of Government underlined.