Ukraine is following with concern the situation in connection with the protests in the Russian Federation triggered by the illegal detention of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny.

Unfortunately, the Russian authorities, instead of listening to their citizens who demand respect for human rights and restoration of the rule of law, continue persecuting those who disagree with the Kremlin's repressive policies.

Ukraine strongly condemns the violence against peaceful protesters and detention of the representatives of the Russian opposition. Citizens of Russia deserve a government that will be able to ensure equality before the law for all and the opportunity to enjoy rights and freedoms, a government respecting human rights in other countries and in the territories temporarily occupied by Russia.

We call on the international community to make greater use of all mechanisms to end violence inflicted by the Russian authorities against its people, aggression against neighboring countries, and to counter Russia`s violations of the world order based on international law and rules of conduct of the civilized world.