U.S. political scientist and former United States National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter (1977-1981) Zbigniew Brzezinski has said Ukraine should continue on its course towards integration with Europe while simultaneously closely cooperating with Russia.

"Ukraine can follow the course it chose before - the course towards the West - but in close cooperation with Russia," he said during a videoconference on Thursday.

At the same time, according to Brzezinski, at present Ukraine is in a rather difficult period connected with a loss of the chance for the country to move towards Europe while maintaining stable ties with Russia.

"It seems to me this chance has been lost, and the consequences of this could influence Ukrainian democracy, national interests and sovereignty," he said.

The political scientist said that if Ukraine wants to strengthen its sovereignty and independence it should protect the Ukrainian language and the country's history.

By: www.kyivpost.com