Conflicts mainly provoked by Russia hinder development of EaP countries - Yatseniuk

Ukrainian authorities continue conducing reforms and fighting for the state, despite actions of Russia on destabilization of the situation in many countries of Eastern Partnership (EaP), Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk has said.

"We're doing our work, despite all difficulties, as this work is not simply for the sake of reforms… it is for the sake of retaining the state of Ukraine. This work is fight for our independence and our future," Yatseniuk said at the Seventh Annual Assembly of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF) in Kyiv on November 20.

He said that the main obstacle in development of EaP countries is their involvement in the conflicts, and most of the conflicts have been provoked by Russia.

"This is the country that attacks independent states, formats isolated and frozen conflicts, this is the country that cannot put up with the valuables of the free world," he said.

He said that due to the unlawful annexation of Crimea and sending Russian troops to Donbas Ukraine has lost 20% of its economy.

The Eastern Partnership program includes Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.