Moscow, October 24 (RIA Novosti): "The idea that Russia is losing influence in the Arab world as a result of the Arab Spring is "wishful thinking," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said.

"We disagree with such opinions because our relations with the majority of the region's most influential countries have either retained their intensity or even deepened," Lavrov said Tuesday in an interview with the Rossiiskaya Gazeta government daily.

He said that such statements were "wishful thinking and an attempt to set certain forces against us".

"Serious countries and serious opposition figures… see Russia as a factor contributing to stability," Lavrov added.

"No matter what happens, Russia would still be treated as a reliable partner and an important guarantor of geopolitical balance, just like it used to be in the past, when the region was freeing itself from colonial rule," Lavrov said. "There is no prejudice against Russia [in the region]."

Russia has been widely criticised for supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and vetoing two UN Security Council resolutions on Syria.

Shakhtar shock Chelsea for first Champions League win
 (12:15)
Kiev, Oct 24 (IANS) Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk won their first Champions League game in the Group E by beating Chelsea 2-1 in a fiercely competitive match.

Alex Texeira gave Shakhtar a 1-0 lead Tuesday in the third minute after receiving a great pass from Willian, reports Xinhua.

The team from Ukraine dominated the possession until the end of the first half, but failed to hit the target.

The hosts also continued to pressure the Champions League holders in the second half until Fernandihno scored the second in the 52nd minute after a mistake from a Chelsea player.

After the second goal, Chelsea took the initiative and found the net in the 88th minute when Oscar scored the goal.

Eden Hazard could have easily tied the match for the European champions but scuffed his shot.

Shakhtar sit on first position in group E, followed by Chelsea, Juventus and Nordshellard.