Relations between Russia and the European Union will straighten out as soon as Western politicians start thinking more globally, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov believes.

"I think neither Europe will get away from Russia, nor will we get away from it. We are neighbors. We have a common history of many centuries. As one thinker said, 'Russia has saved Europe from itself many times'," many Lavrov said in an interview with Sevodnya current events snow of NTV channel.

"I am convinced that our partners, at least those who represent serious states, primarily Europeans, but also a number of politicians and businessmen overseas have realized the harmfulness of the current course aimed at punishing Russia. There is no result because they want to change our stance. But in what direction? We are told: "If you help settle the crisis in Ukraine, we will cancel the sanctions. Let us name a criteria for you - take one step, see to it that the militia would allow monitors to the border with Russia" etc. Our answer is very simple - we will not fulfill or agree to any criteria or conditions," Lavrov said.

"Our partners who have actually imposed sanctions don't conceal it that Ukraine is not the purpose of these measures. In fact the true goal of the restrictions is constantly apparent in their declarations and moves - to change Russia, to alter its approach to key, crucial issues for us and force us to accept the approach of the West. That is bygone century, bygone epoch, colonial thinking of the past," Lavrov said.

"When a multipolar world order is now emerging, it is impossible that the branch of one civilization, some one country, some one group of countries would impose its will on others," he said. "There is the understanding that in the presentday world it is impossible to resolve many problems - to beat terrorism, infectious diseases - without support from other centers of power. How soon this period is going to end, depends on whether politicians are going appear with global strategic thinking," the minister said.

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