KIEV, Nov. 15 - The establishment of free trade zones between Ukraine and its strategic partners will help Kiev counter the financial crisis, Foreign Minister Kostiantyn Hryschenko told the Freedom of Speech program shown on the ICTV television channel.

Hryschenko described the decision to form a free trade zone within the CIS as a great achievement of its member countries.

"Brussels and the main capitals have made it absolutely clear that it in no way runs counter to our goal - the signing of the Association Agreement, including [the creation of] a free trade zone with the EU," the Ukrainian minister said.