Lajčák: Solving crisis in Ukraine without Russia is impossible

Just like with any other global issues, it wouldn't be possible to come to a sustainable solution to the problems in Ukraine without Russia as a global player, Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák stated on Saturday at a press conference in Bratislava following his meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. "We want Russia to be a part of the process of searching for solutions to all crises and issues with which our world is being confronted. Diplomacy is more often than not based on communication and on seeking solutions", said Lajčák. "We share an opinion that the crisis in Ukraine can't be resolved in a military manner", said the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister. Lavrov added that the normalisation of bilateral relations between Russia and the European Union would enable the two to cooperate also in other international politics affairs, including the Middle East issues. Earlier in the day, Lavrov who came to Bratislava to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the city by the Red Army, had to deal with critical statements coming from Slovak President Andrej Kiska. "The years of 1938 and 1968 are a painful part of our recent history", stressed Kiska, adding that the way in which Crimea was annexed last year is viewed as serious destabilisation of the post-WWII relations in the world and a violation of the principles of international law.