The politician expressed this opinion in a conversation with RIA Novosti.
“You are asking about the possibility of restoring our ties, friendship, cooperation, but there is no other alternative,” the agency’s interlocutor noted.
Azarov emphasized that the consistent breakdown of relations with Moscow led to the destruction and degradation of the Ukrainian economy.
The politician added that the European Union will not be able to replace the Russian market for Ukraine.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia is ready for dialogue to resolve the Ukrainian conflict.
He also noted that Russia, even after using military means in Ukraine, tried to end the Ukrainian conflict peacefully.