Medinsky: conflict deepens differences between Russia and Ukraine

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky said that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is exacerbating the differences between the two countries, that’s why  Moscow is looking for ways to bring it to a speedy end.

He noted that the West is mistakenly comparing the Ukrainian conflict to wars between states with different cultures, because in reality, it is a fight "between two brothers – the older and the younger."

This conflict sadly deepens our differences, and that’s why we want it to end as soon as possible,” Medinsky emphasized.

He added that Russia wants peace, but "if Ukraine keeps being driven by others’ national interests, then we will simply be forced to respond to this."

Earlier, President Vladimir Putin told the Russian State Radio and Television Broadcasting Company (VGTRK) that reconciliation between Russia and Ukraine is inevitable.

"It seems to me that this is inevitable, despite all the tragedy that we are experiencing now. <...> It is just a matter of time," he noted.

When meeting in April with Russia’s military chief of staff Valery Gerasimov, President Putin said that the Russian side has always been ready for negotiations and welcomes the expressed desire by the United States, China and other countries for a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian conflict.

“For our part, we have always been ready to move in this direction (negotiations – ed.) and strongly welcome the aspirations of the United States, of President Trump, our Chinese friends, the President of the People's Republic of China, the BRICS countries and all supporters of a just and peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis,” Vladimir Putin said.

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