Russia will watch for “adverse consequences” of Ukraine-EU deal – Kremlin

(Interfax – April 21, 2016)

Russia will only be “too happy” if Ukraine’s association agreement with the EU brings it economic stability and prosperity, but will take “balancing measures” if the deal has a negative impact on Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

“This topic rather concerns the EU and Ukraine. As regards the economic aspect, to the extent that it could affect Russian-Ukrainian ties and Russian economic relations, we will, of course, very closely monitor possible consequences – I mean possible adverse consequences,” Peskov said as reported by privately-owned Russian news agency Interfax.

“If these become apparent, we will certainly take the requisite balancing measures,” Peskov said.

“Of course, Russia is interested in having predictable, economically independent and prosperous neighbours. If this agreement helps Ukraine to achieve [this] goal at least on some parameters, then, certainly, we will only be too happy about this,” Peskov said.

[featured image is file photo]