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Lavrov: Those associating themselves with Russian culture are harassed in Ukraine

The Russian foreign minister said that on Monday at a meeting with visiting the Philippines’ Senate President Franklin Drilon

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov ITAR-TASS/Valery Sharifulin

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

© ITAR-TASS/Valery Sharifulin

MOSCOW, October 19. /TASS/. Those who associate themselves with the Russian language and culture are harassed in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday at a meeting with visiting the Philippines’ Senate President Franklin Drilon.

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After Drilon said that about ten million citizens of the Philippines were living abroad and Manila was worried over any conflict that might infringe upon their interests, Lavrov noted, "We understand it only too well." "About 25 million people who associate themselves with the Russian culture, history, the past and the present are living outside Russia."

"Regrettably, they are often harassed for their adherence to the Russian culture, history, traditions and language, like it happened in the neighbouring country, in our brotherly Ukraine, where the state coup brought to power nationalists who are suppressing everything associated with Russia. That was the cause of a blood-letting conflict," the minister said.

"We are ready to tell in detail about the efforts we are taking so that no one of any diaspora abroad feels oppressed," Lavrov added.

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