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Language of ultimatums unacceptable in Ukrainian settlement - Deputy FM

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vasily Nebenzya said diplomatic efforts will be continued

A view of the Russian State Duma session (archive) ITAR-TASS/Sergei Fadeichev

A view of the Russian State Duma session (archive)

© ITAR-TASS/Sergei Fadeichev

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MOSCOW, March 06. /ITAR-TASS/. Diplomatic efforts to settle the crisis in Ukraine will be continued, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vasily Nebenzya said at a session of the State Duma, lower house of Russia’s parliament, on Thursday.

“Diplomatic efforts will be continued. The language of ultimatums is unacceptable,” Nebenzya said.

“On Wednesday, March 5, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had a direct and difficult talk with the US Secretary of State and European colleagues,” the Russian high-ranking diplomat said, adding that “the parties agreed that the language of ultimatums was unacceptable." "It is necessary to search for joint decisions by meeting the interests of the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine,” he added.

“A cool head and good judgement are indispensable now as never before,” Nebenzya said.

West's policy

The events in Ukraine arise from the West’s policy towards Ukraine, as well as towards Russia, the diplomat continued.

“I regret deeply that the West failed to look at the problem broader. The West’s incitement to the most radical nationalist groups in Kiev ‘opened a can of worms’ and led to the armed seizure of power in the country,” Nebenzya concluded.

No arrogance toward Ukraine

Russia has never treated Ukraine from a position of arrogance and wants to see the country friendly, Nebenzya said.

Speaking at a session of the State Duma on Thursday, Nebenzya noted, “We have always maintained partnership. We have never treated Ukraine from a position of arrogance. Ukraine is near us, and it is our neighbor. It is not going to move anywhere.”

“So it is natural that Russia wants to see friendly leaders in Ukraine,” the Russian high-ranking diplomat said.

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