Vitaly Milonov, Member of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, commented on Kiev’s statement about plans to officially notify Russia of the intention to terminate the treaty on friendship, cooperation and partnership.
Earlier the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Pavel Klimkin, announced plans to notify Moscow of the intention to terminate the agreement until September 30. Otherwise, the contract will automatically be extended for another ten years – until 2029, he said.
VitalyMilonov noted that despite the document Kievdoesn’timplement it at the moment. “Russia will not suffer from the termination of the treaty, most of all this it was advantageousfor Ukraine,” he added.
According to him, the treaty is of more declarative nature, but it is the basis for further building of relationships. “However, it cannot influence the development of constructive relations. Unfortunately, what we see now in Ukraine is not associated with the notion of “friendship,” the deputy noted.
Milonov expressed the hope that citizens of Ukraine will still have the opportunity to participate in shaping the country’s policy, “so that people can realize their natural need to restore friendly relations with Russia.”
“I am sure that the majority of Ukrainians, like many Russians, believe that the two countries are united, and only the border separates them. Ironically, many ordinary citizens of Russia and Ukraine consider one of the most important tasks today the reunion of two states into one” – concludedthe parliamentarian.