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Ukraine keeps cooperating with Russia on international space projects, says authority

"There is no other way to get to the space station but through the Baikonur launch pad, using Russian rocket carriers and the Ukrainian control system," Ukrainian State Space agency's chairman said

KIEV, October 9. /TASS/. The Ukrainian State Space Agency suspended cooperation with Russia at the inter-state level, but continues work on international cooperation projects, the agency said referring to an interview of its chairman Liubomyr Sabadosh.

"Working with the Russian Federation, Ukraine had international commitments," he said, citing cooperation on launches of Soyuz rockets with astronauts on board.

"If we announce now that Ukraine renounces its commitments, this will damage the image of the state and will halt the whole space program on the international space station," Sabadosh was quoted as saying.

"There is no other way to get to the space station but through the Baikonur launch pad (that Russia leases from Kazakhstan), using Russian rocket carriers and the Ukrainian control system," he continued.

"Ukraine must comply with all that concerns peaceful exploration of state and international commitments," the head of the state agency added.