Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has dismissed the allegation that Ukraine must choose between good relations with Russia and with the rest of the world.
“When [U.S. Secretary of State] John Kerry says that Ukraine should choose whether it is together with the whole world or one country, I could expect such a propagandistic remark from anyone but Kerry, with his experience and reason,” Lavrov said at a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
“There should be fewer slogans now and more care about the result of the efforts the Ukrainian leadership is making to put the situation onto a peaceful track,” Lavrov said.
The Russian minister insisted on maintaining relations within the framework of the entire Euro-Atlantic space, as Russia is both Ukraine’s and the European Union’s partner.
“We don’t want any behind-the-scenes maneuvers, in which the old card would be played – either you are with us or against us. This is an old era mentality, which should be left behind,” he said.
At the same time, Lavrov said he had the impression that the understanding of the need for tripartite contacts between Russia, Ukraine, and the European Union is growing in Brussels.
