The Russian Foreign Minister affirmed that "our position has not changed," emphasizing that Russia is ready to negotiate on the condition that the situation on the ground, as well as Russia's security views and interests, are taken into account.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said his country is ready for negotiations on the Ukraine issue, but negotiations must take into account the situation on the ground and Russia's security interests.
In an interview with TASS news agency, Foreign Minister Lavrov affirmed that "our position has not changed." He stressed that Russia is ready for an agreement, provided that the current situation on the ground, as well as Russia's views and security interests, are taken into account.
Earlier, Mr. Lavrov affirmed that the longer Kiev delays negotiations with Moscow, the more difficult it will be to reach an agreement. According to this diplomat, the ban on negotiations with Russia by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky needs to be lifted to pave the way for dialogue.
British, French Defense Ministers arrive in Kiev
In another development, on September 28, British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps and his French counterpart Sebastien Lecornu were in Kiev to discuss the issue of continuing to provide military support to Ukraine.
The visit comes ahead of Ukraine's first Defense Industry Forum, where officials are expected to meet with representatives from more than 160 defense businesses and 26 countries.
According to VNA