Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said
on Monday the results of presidential elections in Ukraine reflected a
desire to improve ties with Russia, according to RIA Novosti.
"The polls, which complied with
generally recognized international standards, confirmed the Ukrainians'
desire to put an end to historically doomed attempts to stir up
hostility between the peoples of our countries," Medvedev said in a
message of congratulations to his newly elected Ukrainian counterpart,
Viktor Yanukovych.
The Russian leader invited Yanukovych to pay a visit to Moscow soon.
Bilateral relations have soured in
recent years over pro-Western Viktor Yushchenko's bid to take the
former Soviet republic into NATO, gas disputes, and Ukraine's support
for Georgia in its 2008 war with Russia.
Medvedev delayed sending Russia's new ambassador to the country in August, citing "unfriendly" policies pursued by Yushchenko.
Yanukovych said he would prioritize long-established ties with Russia and other ex-Soviet states in his foreign policies.
