Yushchenko rebukes Russia

KIEV, Russia, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said Thursday Russia shares responsibility for "serious problems" between the two countries.

Yushchenko made the comment in a letter in response to one from Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, ForUm reported. Medvedev had rebuked Yushchenko for supporting Georgia in its ongoing dispute with Russia.

"I cannot but agree with the fact that there are serious problems between our states, but it is surprising that you fully exclude Russia's responsibility for that," Yushchenko said.

He said Ukraine is "doing its best for fruitful, mutually beneficial development of bilateral relations" and he said Ukraine's support for Georgia "coincides with the stance of all the countries in the world."

Yushchenko said Ukraine remains committed to joining NATO.

"Our state's drive for membership in the alliance is not aimed against Russia by any means, and the final decision will be made only after a nationwide referendum," he added.