Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

(VOVworld) – Russia hailed the Ukrainian parliament’s decision to grant special status to Donetsk and Lugansk, calling it “a step in the right direction”. In a Wednesday statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry warned that any efforts to change or revoke the law would escalate the conflict in eastern Ukraine and destroy peace efforts.
The same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged Kiev to begin negotiations. He said all parties must restrain themselves in order not to disrupt the ceasefire.