Russia Voices Regret over End of Ukraine Truce, Slams Foreign Partners

Tuesday, 1 July 2014

Russia Voices Regret over End of Ukraine Truce, Slams Foreign Partners

Local Editor

As it expressed “regret” over Ukraine's decision to restart a military operation against pro-federalization activists, Russia slammed its foreign partners saying they have been using Ukraine as a “bargaining chip” in geopolitical games.

President Vladimir Putin urged the West to build cooperation with Russia based on equality and mutual respect amid Russia's showdown with Brussels and Washington over Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin

"I am hoping that the West will begin to build ties based on equal rights, mutual respect and taking mutual interests into account," Putin told ambassadors and envoys in a speech laying out his foreign policy priorities.

He also said Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's decision meant that he was assuming full "political" responsibility for the renewed military operation in the east of the country.

Moscow also stressed that peace talks should start as soon as possible, pledging to "fully facilitate" the process.

"We are convinced that efforts to bring the situation back to the negotiating table should be continued," the Russian foreign ministry said.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's last-minute decision not to extend a ceasefire after consultations with Russia, France and Germany on Monday night "causes deep regret," it added.

"One gets the impression that the change in Kiev's position ... did not occur without outside influence," the ministry said.

Poroshenko announced that his government would not extend the 10-day ceasefire despite a rare moment of agreement between Russia, France and Germany who had called earlier in the day for the truce to be prolonged and a new round of talks held with pro-Moscow separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Moscow criticized countries for using the Ukraine crisis as a pretext to punish Russia.

"We once again urge (partners) to stop using Ukraine as a bargaining chip in geopolitical games," the foreign ministry said.