Russia believes that Ukraine does not need external help to solve its current political crisis, said Sergei Mironov, speaker of Russia's Federation Council, the upper house of parliament, on Monday.

"It is a pity to find that there are people in the world who are particularly interested in offering 'help' with Ukraine's internal affairs," Mironov told reporters in Astana after talks with Kazakh leaders.

"But we believe Ukrainian people are able to make their own choice. They have the political wisdom to solve all the problems related to political reform and keep the integrity of their country intact in accordance with law," Mironov said.

Mironov said Russia keeps a close eye on the situation in Ukraine, a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States. No matter who finally wins the presidential election, Russia is willing to seek economic integration with Ukraine and Kazakhstan and Belarus, he said.

Ukraine was plunged into a political turmoil after both Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych and opposition rival Viktor Yushchenko claimed victory in the presidential run-off on Nov. 21.

The Supreme court later annulled official results with Yanukovych being the winner on the ground that the poll was rigged in Yanukovych's favor. A re-run was scheduled for Dec. 26.

Ukraine's presidential poll became internationalized as the choice between pro-Moscow Yanukovych and pro-West Yushchenko could shape the former Soviet republic's political future.

Western media are interested in the alleged dioxin poisoning of Yushchenko while Russians are talking about possible US financing of Yushchenko's campaign.