(ANSA) - UDINE - ''Relations between Ukraine and Russia can only be fixed if we put an end to war in the eastern part of the country''. Halyna Lytvyn, Ukraine's executive director of the Carpathian Euroregion, who attended in Udine the 13th Aquileian Euroregion Forum organised by Mitteleuropa association, explained to ANSA New Europe the situation of her country: on the one hand forced to deal with the tensions with Russia, on the other hand, eager to join the European Union.

What are the prospects for relations with Russia, even in view of UN peacekeeping mission?

''Everyone in Ukraine knows that war does not last for a year, two years, but for decades. Only after fixing the situation, a relationship with Russia could be re-established and reconstructed, because now we have lost truth and respect. We have to go back, in order to move on''.

What economic implications does this crisis have?

''Two or three years ago, when the situation deteriorated, in the Eastern part of the country, the economic situation was really bad and there were no development opportunities. But now we see economic growth in Ukraine and many resources are destined for reconstruction in the Eastern regions, under the control of the Ukrainian government. Only by investing in these regions can we show that the Ukrainian authorities can tackle development. We had problems because Donetsk and Lugansk were industrial regions and now those industries do not work. The Ukrainian authorities must support manufacturers and invest in this area to give the population a chance to make profit rather than being forced to move to other areas of Ukraine or, worse, to go abroad''.

Meanwhile, the association agreement between the EU and Ukraine has recently come into force. Are the effects already visible?

''The agreement came into force on September 1. Effects will not be immediately visible. The main reform now in Ukraine is that of centralization. It's important to allow local communities to decide upon the development of their territory. The other reform is the reform of justice, which has been dealt with in recent days in parliament. It is the first step to show the European Union that Ukraine is able to meet the requirements of the European institutions to become a member state''.

In many countries, especially in Eastern Europe, there is a widespread anti-European feeling among the population. How is the situation in Ukraine?

''The liberalization of the visa regime with the European Union makes us feel part of the European family. Of course the changes that are occurring in Europe affect Ukraine too. But what we have to do is just to improve the quality of life for all citizens. So it will be easier to continue the integration process. 80% of the population living in the regions of Eastern Ukraine have never visited Europe. Developing interregional cooperation and visiting other European countries is the best way to show the difference between Russian propaganda and what Europe really is''.

(ANSA).