RUSSIA: Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev calls for "stability and order" in Ukraine as gas talks get under way in Moscow

Record ID: 861920

  • Title: RUSSIA: Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev calls for "stability and order" in Ukraine as gas talks get under way in Moscow
  • Date: 4th December 2013
  • Summary: MOSCOW, RUSSIA (DECEMBER 4, 2013) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (RUSSIAN POOL) RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER DMITRY MEDVEDEV SHAKING HANDS WITH UKRAINIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, YURI BOIKO, THEN MEN SITTING DOWN MEDVEDEV TALKING (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER, DMITRY MEDVEDEV, SAYING: "You're having quite an active political season right now. We are attentively following what is happening in your (BOIKO LISTENING AND NODDING) country. Without a doubt (MEDVEDEV ON CAMERA) it's an internal matter for Ukraine itself. But it is very important that there be stability and order in the country." BOIKO NODDING MEETING IN PROGRESS
  • Embargoed: 19th December 2013 12:00
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  • Location: Russian Federation
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  • Country: Russia
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  • Reuters ID: LVA8DK0DETJ93MKK51RME1NYP9NH
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  • Story Text: Russia on Wednesday (December 4) called for "stability and order" in neighbouring Ukraine as the two countries held their first high-level talks since Kiev pulled out of a trade alliance with the European Union.
    Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev hosted a Ukrainian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister, Yuri Boiko, that is seeking cheaper gas and financial aid to close gaping external deficits that could set off a balance of payments crisis.
    Risks of a financial meltdown in Ukraine, a former Soviet state of 46 million, became acute after mass demonstrations began in Kiev last weekend against President Viktor Yanukovich and his government over a decision to seek closer alliances with Moscow.
    "You are having quite an active political season," Medvedev told Boiko in a meeting at his residence outside Moscow.
    "Of course this is an internal matter, but it is very important that there be stability and order in the country."
    Russian President Vladimir Putin had threatened financial sanctions against Kiev if it signed a trade agreement with the EU last week. Yanukovich abandoned the deal at the last moment, surprising European leaders and angering domestic critics.
    Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov told his cabinet that the Boiko visit would continue a dialogue with Russia on trade and economic relations that are "very critical for maintaining and developing Ukrainian industry and economy."
    The Boiko visit was clearly part of the government's plans to sketch out what the Ukrainians hope will be a 'roadmap' for future economic ties with their old Soviet master.
    No immediate breakthroughs were announced but Yanukovich, who was visiting China, was expected to meet Putin soon.
    Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin would not meet Boiko. No date had yet been set for an encounter between the two presidents.
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