Russia is not indifferent to what is happening in Ukraine, for every second Ukrainian family, if not more, has family and personal ties with Russia.
No matter how high domestic political passions are running in Ukraine, all sides involved must stay within the bounds of the law and the country’s constitution. Any violation of the constitution could split the country apart, President Vladimir Putin noted while meeting with Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma.
The parties to the dispute should meet at the negotiating table and work out a compromise solution.
Russia is ready to act as mediator in settling the dispute, but neither Russia, the European community nor the international organisations can settle all the issues. It is the Ukrainian people who must have the final word.