Russia seeks peace in Ukraine - chief negotiator

WASHINGTON. June 11 (Interfax) - Russia seeks peace in Ukraine but stays ready to respond to further aggressive actions of Kiev, Russian chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said.

"We want peace. But if Ukraine keeps being driven by the national interests of others, then we will be simply forced to respond," Medinsky said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.

"A lack of compromise" on the part of Ukraine would lead to its greater territorial losses, he said.

"With Russia, it's impossible to fight a long war," Medinsky said, mentioning the Great Northern War of the 18th century.

The second round of direct Russian-Ukrainian talks took place in Istanbul on June 2. Medinsky told the press back then that Russia handed over its memorandum on a ceasefire and enduring peace to the Ukrainian counterparty. He said the two-section memorandum contained practical measures towards lasting peace.

The Ukrainian delegation handed over its memorandum to the Russian side in Istanbul.