Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (Photo: Reuters)

Lavrov added that negotiations cannot be based on the ‘peace formula’ proposed by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and promoted by Europe and the United States, but “on the basis of serious analysis of the existing security problems, recognition of realities on the ground and guarantees of the Russian Federation’s legitimate security interests”.

He also confirmed that there will be a meeting with ambassadors of several countries to discuss the situation in Ukraine in early April.

In another development, the Japanese Government on Friday announced a one-year extension of its decision to cancel the “most favored nation” trade status for Russia from the end of March.

This is the second time Japan has extended this decision. Accordingly, all imports from Russia will be subject to higher taxes until the end of March 2025.