Russia interested in stable, democratic Ukraine, should respect its choice - European Commission President Juncker
ST. PETERSBURG. June 16 (Interfax) - Ukraine's choice of partners for developing relations should not be viewed as an act of aggression, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Thursday, Juncker pointed out that each sovereign state is entitled to determine the strategy of developing its relations with all countries, be it ties with Russia, with the European Union, or with Russia and the European Union simultaneously.
This sovereign choice must be respected and should not be viewed as an act of aggression, he said.
Juncker called for making sure that Ukraine is a stable and democratic country, which, he said, would also benefit the Russian economy.
In addition, a stable Ukraine living in peace with its neighbors would determine the future of the entire region developing to everyone's benefit, he said.