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Ukraine's Tymoshenko calls for 'reset' of ties with Russia

© Alexandr Prokopenko / Go to the mediabankUkraine's Tymoshenko calls for 'reset' of ties with Russia
Ukraine's Tymoshenko calls for 'reset' of ties with Russia - Sputnik International
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Ukraine should build relations with Russia on principles of equality without sacrificing national interests, which would require a "resetting," the Ukrainian prime minister said on Tuesday.

KIEV, July 14 (RIA Novosti) - Ukraine should build relations with Russia on principles of equality without sacrificing national interests, which would require a "resetting," the Ukrainian prime minister said on Tuesday.

Yulia Tymoshenko said leading countries "have declared a policy of resetting relations with Russia" and that Ukraine should also "build a harmonious and balanced relationship with our largest neighbor in an honest and transparent way."

The prime minister said that whenever she meets with her Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, "I look him straight in the eyes as an equal."

Ukraine has accused Russia of using pressure tactics and blackmail over energy supplies and President Viktor Yushchenko said in June that Russia could start another gas war.

Kiev has paid in full for Russian gas supplies so far this year. However Moscow has voiced concerns on many occasions over Ukraine's ability to pay for gas, especially its ability to purchase gas to store in its underground storage facilities and ensure uninterrupted transit to Europe.

Russian supplies to Europe via Ukraine - which account for around 80% of its deliveries to the European Union - were halted for two weeks in January due to a dispute between Kiev and Moscow.

Tymoshenko negotiated a solution with Putin, but Yushchenko has often criticized the terms of the deal. The former "Orange Revolution" allies have become estranged in the past year and are expected to both be on the ballot in January's presidential election.

 

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