NOVO-OGARYOVO, Oct. 22 – There is no alternative to preserving the traditional friendship and neighborliness between Russia and Ukraine regardless of the political situation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"The parliamentary election campaign is coming to an end in Ukraine, and we sincerely hope that the results of the election to the Verkhovna Rada will ensure the further sustainable democratic development of the brotherly Ukraine. We hope that the course for deep cooperation between our countries will get a new impetus as a result of the vote," Putin told his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yanukovych in Novo-Ogaryovo.

"The development of cooperation and partnership between Russia and Ukraine" is their common strategic choice rooted in the "strong bonds of friendship between our countries, and whatever the political situation, this approach has no alternative", Putin said.