Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov left for Ukraine on Monday to boost relations with Ukrainian new leadership.

During the visit, the Russian top diplomat is expected to meet Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, Foreign Minister Borys Tarasiuk and other top officials.

The two sides will meet on the issues of a free-trade zone, final resolution of a dispute involving the Kerch Strait, the status of Russian Black See naval fleet and energy cooperation.

Russia is Ukraine's largest trading partner supplying more than one third of its energy demands. Moscow has been eager to keep its centuries-old influence over the nation on its western edge.

Yushchenko, who was sworn in as Ukraine's new president last month, has stressed the importance of improving relations with Russia, vowing to make bilateral ties rational, successful and mutually beneficial.

Source: Xinhua