MINSK, 15 October (BelTA) – It is important that Ukraine pursue a multi-pronged foreign policy, including relations with Russia in the strategic outlook, former Ukrainian president Viktor Yushchenko said in an interview to the Belarus 1 TV channel on 13 October, BelTA has learned.
“When I became president, I made my first foreign visit to Moscow, although I am a European in my beliefs [orientation towards cooperation with the EU]. But I went to Moscow, though. I tried to explain to the nation that if you love your country, you must understand that Ukraine's interests lie not only in the west but also in the north and the east, and the south. If you wish your country well, then you must bear the responsibility for the policy, including toward Russia,” Viktor Yushchenko said.
He is convinced that a lot of Ukrainian interests lie in Russia and they should be taken care of. “More than 12 million Ukrainians live there [in Russia]. Of course, this is very important. There is no simple answer,” Viktor Yushchenko said.
Yet, the politician acknowledged that today there are no necessary conditions, including the public opinion, for re-engagement with Russia, for dialogue.
He also did not rule out a possibility that in the future, under certain favorable conditions, the development of the Russian-Ukrainian relations might be back on the agenda.
