KIEV — Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said there would be no confrontation with Russia.
"We don't just not want confrontation with Russia, but we will never allow it," he told the Ukrainian television channel Inter on Sunday. "There will be no enmity between Russia and Ukraine, at least while our government and our president are at the helm."
Kiev hopes to sign an Association Agreement and a free trade deal with the European Union in late November. Russia's authorities have repeatedly said they would have to introduce protective measures should Ukraine proceed with the agreements.
Tensions between the two countries are running high as Ukraine has repeatedly rejected Moscow's offers to join the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
