"Election is held not only in Ukraine. It is under way in the United States and somewhere else. Our line, which we invariably stick to, is that we will continue to develop relations with the leaders elected by the people of that country. With those elected as a result of free, democratic, honest election we will build up relations and continue to fulfil the agreements reached", Igor Ivanov stressed.
Relations between Russia and Ukraine are crucial for their peoples. "They cannot be built up for an electoral term, say four years", he noted.
"These relations should have a clear-cut historical, strategic perspective", said the secretary of the Russian Security Council.
He noted that Russia is closely following the course of the presidential election in Ukraine.
"I think that, given the large number of candidates, the second round was hardly unexpected. Let's hope it will pass without emotional excesses", Igor Ivanov said.
