Speaking on the occasion of Mr. Yuschenko's visit to Moscow, Vladimir Putin stated that it was important to bring the current relations between Russia and Ukraine up to date

Speaking on the occasion of Mr. Yuschenko's visit to Moscow, Vladimir Putin stated that it was important to bring the current relations between Russia and Ukraine up to date. "We have a large volume of joint projects with Ukraine. To my knowledge, trade with Russia constitutes 60% of Ukrainian overall trade turnover,' Mr. Putin announced. "I would like to ask the Cabinet to formulate its proposals on major areas of our cooperation with Ukraine taking into consideration the current situation in Russian-Ukrainian relations after the elections in Ukraine and a certain economic downfall in that country. I should know how this situation reflects on Russian partners and what we should do to improve the current state of affairs as soon as possible," Mr. Putin emphasized. In his turn, new Ukrainian President Viktor Yuschenko announced on Monday in Kiev that he was interested in the development of successful policies in regard to Russia. "I am certain Moscow will meet my sincere proposals with understanding," Ukrainian presidential press service quoted Mr. Yuschenko as saying. During the talks in Moscow, Mr. Yuschenko plans to discuss the issues of foreign policy, economic cooperation and implementation of concrete projects that have been scheduled long time ago. "Millions of Ukrainian citizens realize that Russia is a big country and an eternal strategic partner of Ukraine," Mr. Yuschenko stated. "We all understand that our relations can be different, much better than they are now."