Russia does not regard the EU's Eastern Partnership program for closer ties with ex-Soviet states as useful, but will not seek to impede it, the Russian president said on Monday.

However, Dmitry Medvedev denied that Russia was "hostile" toward the program.

"I can see nothing in it that would be directed against our country," he told Belarusian reporters at Barvikha presidential residence near Moscow.

"Needless to say, if they discuss anti-Russian scenarios, I as president will not like that. But I hope that our partners will refrain from this. Otherwise, let them discuss whatever they want," Medvedev said.

The Eastern Partnership program, adopted by 27 EU countries in 2008, includes Azerbaijan, Belarus, Ukraine, Armenia, Moldova and Georgia and aims to bring these countries in line with EU standards without formal admission to the EU.

BARVIKHA (Moscow Region), November 23 (RIA Novosti)