2nd LD Writethru: Russian FM urges Kiev to keep neutral status

Ukraine must maintain its neutral status so as to prevent further division of the war-torn country, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said.

"In order to prevent the further disintegration of Ukraine, it is essential that the country retain its neutral status," Lavrov told the Serbian magazine Horizons, which was published Wednesday.

Lavrov criticized the United States and its Western allies for their "attempts to impose their own will across the world" and blasted NATO for its "empty words" of not expanding eastward.

"NATO's infrastructure has continuously drawn closer to Russian borders," Lavrov claimed.

The minister said he was disappointed that the task of creating a common space of peace, security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area has not been accomplished despite Russia's repeated calls.

Lavrov said West's trend of ignoring Russia's interests culminated in the Ukraine crisis.

He said that attempts to put pressure on Russia through unilateral and illegitimate sanctions will not make the country forgo what it thinks is right and just.

As the article, titled "Russia's priorities in Europe and the world," was published, U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew was touring Kiev, where he said his country will "continue to work with our allies to increase the pressure on Russia." Endi