Russia is open to negotiations to resolve the Ukraine crisis, but such talks must address its "root causes" and reflect realities on the ground, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Sunday in an interview with RIA Novosti.
Lavrov stressed the need to ensure Ukraine's "non-aligned, neutral and non-nuclear status" to "eliminate the long-term threats to Russia's security posed by the West, including NATO expansion."
Ukraine must take on specific obligations to ensure the rights, freedoms and interests of Russian-speaking citizens, he added.
Earlier, Ukraine's Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak was quoted as saying in an interview with Suspilne on Dec. 12 by local media Kyiv Independent that Ukraine was not prepared to enter negotiations with Russia as it lacks sufficient Western support to engage from a position of strength.
Russia ready for peace talks with Ukraine, but situation on ground must be considered: Lavrov
Russia ready for peace talks with Ukraine, but situation on ground must be considered: Lavrov
Russia ready for peace talks with Ukraine, but situation on ground must be considered: Lavrov
Russia ready for peace talks with Ukraine, but situation on ground must be considered: Lavrov
