KIEV, May 26 – Kiev welcomes the statement of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the readiness to cooperate with new Ukrainian authorities following the presidential elections, acting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Deschytsia said.

"If this indeed happens, we will welcome not just Russia's statement but certain steps to recognize the Ukrainian government and introduce cooperation with the Ukrainian government and the president who will be elected legitimately," Deschytsia told Interfax in Kiev on Friday.