Current Ukrainian crisis is not in Europe's interests

Europe is not interested in maintaining the current crisis situation in Ukraine. Russia's permanent representative to the EU Vladimir Chizhov expressed his point of view in an exclusive interview to the Itar-Tass correspondent.

"I believe that maintaining the current crisis situation in Ukraine is not in the interest of Europe. I will not speak for the United States, but in some respects it is more aligned to their interests. However, it is clear that it is not in the interests of Europe, including the European Union, because for Europe, Ukraine is not just a playground for geopolitical games, as to some other countries, but is a serious large neighboring country with great potential," he explained. According to Chizhov, "some members of the European Parliament understand it." "Others might need more time to realize it," he added.

Permanent representative expressed the hope that the first resolution of the newly elected European Parliament in Ukraine, which is expected to be adopted in the upcoming Thursday, will be more objective than the previous statements of the members of European Parliament. "I hope to call for an early end of the violence, and this requires a cessation of hostilities and the beginning of the negotiation process, without any preconditions. Perhaps this is the only thing that is necessary in the current situation," said Chizhov. However, he pointed out that "if the EP wants to take the role of mediator in the political situation in the south-east of Ukraine, then it should take at least equidistant position" with respect to both conflicting parties.

Permanent representative also commented on the recent sanctions against leaders of the People's Republics. Those sanctions "do not contribute to the atmosphere that is necessary for political dialogue". "Nowadays, I think everyone already know and recognize, including the European Union that Ukraine's problem has no military solution. Solution can only be political, but a political solution can only be achieved through a political dialogue. And it turns out that those people with whom this political dialogue should be conducted and who are really controlling the situation in the east are subject to sanctions. What is the logic? These measures are deprived of any logic," he added.

Read more: http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_07_14/Current-Ukrainian-crisis-is-not-in-Europes-interests-Russian-envoy-to-EU-6073/