MOSCOW, July 09. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia will persistently defend its national interests, “but will not descend into self-isolationism”, President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with Civic Chamber members on Wednesday.

“We will always be part of the world community,” the president said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says it is necessary to provide humanitarian assistance to people in Ukraine’s conflict zone but in a way that it does not provoke rejection.

“It will be right if Russian society turns attention to the necessity of help for people who are still in the conflict zone. They also need support,” Putin told the eminent of Russian society assembled for the Civic Chamber on Wednesday. “Let us think how we can do it correctly and comfortably for people, the state and our partners in Ukraine so that it does not provoke any rejection, but on the contrary, it will be of help.”

“Although government assistance is also required, voluntary help is always welcome, as it comes from the heart,” Putin said.