The Financial Times

Russia wants Ukraine to be part of a large Russian orbit, part of a large Slavic family and have a government friendly to Russia. This was reported by the US State Department's Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker in an interview with the Russian media "Echo of Moscow", answering the question about what Vladimir Putin wants to achieve in Donbas.



"I think that Russia wants Ukraine to be part of a large Russian orbit, part of a large Slavic family, wants it to have good relations with Russia and a government friendly to Russia, but ironically, the result is exactly the opposite. The Ukrainian government is now more skeptical about Russia, more nationalistic and pro-Western than ever, and this attitude is now being strengthened in the young generation of Ukrainians, because all they know is Russia's invasion of their country's territory and the violence that comes from this invasion," Volker said.



He added that if Russia's goals remain the same, then tactics must change.



Of course, Russia will fight for the hearts and minds of Ukrainians for a long time, and it should not surprise anyone, but this should happen on a legal basis, and not when Russia invades Ukraine and takes its territory," added Volker.

Related: US to lift anti-Russia sanctions after fulfillment of Minks Agreements, - Volker