Russian president delays sending ambassador to Ukraine

In his message Russian president accused Ukraine of anti-Russian policies.

"I would like to inform you that over Ukraine's anti-Russian policies I have decided to delay sending new ambassador to Ukraine," Medvedev said in a video message.

"We observe that during the years of your presidency, and it is impossible to see it differently, that the Ukrainian side has withdrawn from the principles of friendship and partnership with Russia," Medvedev said.

Medvedev chose to make his message public because of the level of interest among the people of Russia and Ukraine in the state of bilateral relations, which "directly affects their daily life and future."

"Ukrainians have from time immemorial been and remain not only neighbors but a fraternal nation toward which we will always have the kindest feelings, with which we are brought closer together by common history, culture and religion, are united by close economic cooperation, strong kindred and human relations," he said.

Medvedev said that the tension in relations were making it impossible to fully develop the potential of bilateral economic ties.

"Russian companies regularly have to deal with open opposition from Ukrainian authorities," he said.

"Bypassing Russia, Ukraine's top political leadership agreed with the European Union's leadership on Russian gas deliveries to Europe, and signed a document completely out of line with January's Russian-Ukrainian agreements," the Russian leader said.

/Lenta.ru/