Russia says it’s ready for direct dialogue with new Ukrainian president

MOSCOW – Russia’s foreign minister says that Moscow is ready for a direct dialogue with Ukraine’s new president, adding it doesn’t need any western mediation.

Sergey Lavrov on Monday said Russia views Ukraine’s presidential vote positively and is ready to deal with billionaire candy tycoon Petro Poroshenko, who holds a commanding lead, according to early returns.

Lavrov said that Russia noted Poroshenko’s statements about the importance of normalizing ties with Moscow and the need to establish a dialogue with eastern regions, where pro-Russia insurgents have seized government buildings and fought government troops.

He said that “we are ready for dialogue with Kyiv representatives, with Petro Poroshenko.”

Lavrov added that “we don’t need any mediators,” in a reference to a possible role of the United States and the European Union in such talks.