MOSCOW, March 30. /TASS/. Russia intends to continue to defend its interests before the collective West, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said in an interview with RT TV channel.

"It’s not about Ukraine, it’s not about what is going on there, it’s just because they hate Russia, they don’t believe there is any place for independent Russian policies that we will protect and defend," he said.

Ryabkov called Russophobia "disgusting". "This is something that is completely out of touch with all so-called European and western values," he said.

"I think the dust will settle at some point, but our people suffer because of these essentially racist policies that are being instigated to some extent by governments and by media outlets in many European countries," the diplomat noted.

He added that Russian embassies and consulates are ready to provide any assistance to citizens or Russian-speaking people abroad who have faced discrimination. "We will do our utmost to offer all services needed to compatriots and those Russians who suffer because of this. We will offer them legal assistance, advice, stay in touch with them - our consulates and embassies will be open," he said.