Medvedev Tells Ukraine He Wants Better Cooperation
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has called for closer cooperation between Russia and Ukraine.
Medvedev spoke as he arrived in Ukraine on October 18 for talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yanukovych.
The two leaders are meeting in the eastern city of Donetsk.
Yanukovych said prior to the meeting that he would push for Russia to reduce the price of natural gas sold to his country.
Russia has repeatedly said it could agree to sell Ukraine gas at lower prices if Ukraine cedes control of its pipeline grid.
Kyiv has resisted such Russian pressure in the past, instead giving preference to stronger ties with the European Union.
But last week’s seven-year jail term handed down to the former Ukrainian prime minister and top opposition figure Yulia Tymoshenko for abuse of power has soured relations between Kyiv and Brussels.
The two leaders are meeting ahead of a football match between Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk and Russian club Zenit St Petersburg, which Donetsk is hosting on October 19.
compiled from agency reports