"We are sure that if we [Moscow and the EU] rely on the principles of equality, mutual respect and consideration of each other's interests, any problems in relations between Russia and the EU could be resolved," Lavrov said during a joint press conference with Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz in Moscow.
"If unilateral sanctions that have never been legitimate and are counterproductive, which everyone understands, if [the sanctions] aren’t extended by the European Union, then of course we will continue our cooperation, but having taken into account the necessity of assessing the reliability of our partners."
The Russian minister said that the reliability of partners applies to commitments, as well as to politicizing economy.
"We believe that politics should not interfere in economy, and relations should develop on the basis of well-understood, natural national interests of participating countries. Such approach is shared by many politicians in Europe, including in Austria," the Russian top diplomat said.
"Judging by certain signs, someone in the European Union wants the EU to allow the Ukrainian government not to implement the Minsk agreements."
According to Lavrov, the EU said nothing on February 21, when the Ukrainian opposition had violated its obligations brokered by three foreign ministers of major European countries and carried out a coup d'etat.
"[The EU] let the Ukrainian opposition do it because it sort of has been looking toward Europe. [The EU officials] allowed the authorities who had come to power in Kiev as a result of the coup not to perform an obligation agreed on April 17 in Geneva, according to which, the new Ukrainian government pledged to immediately begin a constitutional reform with the participation of all regions and all political forces of the country."
Moscow assumes that all provisions of the new Minsk agreement should be observed without any exceptions.
"And, of course, such a work cannot be done, cannot be effective and cannot yield results without a direct dialogue between Kiev and [the self-proclaimed republics of] Donetsk and Lugansk, without solving the severe humanitarian problems of Donbass."
