Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister: Kiev needs to learn to live alongside Russia

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"We are hostages of geography. Of course, we need to learn to live with Russia. I do not see any prerequisites for Russia to change its strategic goals towards Ukraine. Therefore, we need to learn to live with them," the Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister said on the program of "Channel 5".

According to him, Russia is "a country considered an enemy of Ukraine", and this is "immutable". Accordingly, Kiev always builds a model in its relationship with Moscow, based on three criteria: social relations, economic relations, and political relations.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, in political and social relations things have become clearer. However, in the economic sphere, the relationship is somewhat "more fragile".

"I call for building a more pragmatic and reasonable relationship with Russia. Ukraine must act clearly based on our interests. Our interests are currently oriented towards the West... Accordingly, build as a country with European civilization, and become strong in the economic field" - Mr. Dmitry Kuleba emphasized.

Relations between Moscow and Kiev have deteriorated since the unrest in the Donbass region. The Ukrainian government has repeatedly accused Russia of interfering in the country's internal affairs. In January 2015, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a statement that called Russia an "aggressor state" in relation to Ukraine.

Russia has denied Ukraine's accusations, calling them "unacceptable." Moscow has repeatedly stated that this is not a civil war in Ukraine, and expressed its interest in helping Kiev overcome its political and economic crisis.