MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. Senior Russian lawmaker Alexei Pushkov, who chairs the State Duma foreign affairs committee, said the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union will become a major challenge for Brussels and signal a new era of the bloc’s evolution.

"Whatever they say, Brexit has signaled a new stage in the EU evolution and a major challenge for Brussels. Britain will not be compensated by Ukraine and Georgia," Pushkov wrote in his Twitter microblog.

Germany’s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said earlier that "with the UK exit the EU will lose more than a member-state."

The leaders of 27 EU countries said in a statement after a first informal meeting in Brussels held without London’s participation on Wednesday that they hope the UK will become their "close partner."

The referendum in the UK on June 23 brought victory to the ‘leave’ camp, which received 51.9% of votes. The number of those who voted against Brexit was 48.1% The results of the plebiscite aren't legally binding and can be reviewed by parliament, which may agree or disagree with the popular opinion. Also, the authorities have an opportunity to organize a new referendum. However, Prime Minister David Cameron said the government would honor the wish of the British people who opted for a withdrawal from the EU. He announced plans to resign as the leader of the Conservative Party and the prime minister.