Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (Photo: mid.ru)

The press release of the Russian Foreign Ministry said “With regard to the prospects for the Russian-Ukrainian negotiation process, the immutability of the principled Russian position was confirmed: the outcome of the negotiations depends entirely on Kyiv’s readiness to take into account our legitimate demands.”

The two foreign ministers discussed possible joint steps between the foreign and defence ministries of Russia and Ukraine to ensure the security of civilians in Ukraine, including foreigners.