MOSCOW, August 20. /TASS/. Ukraine has still not responded to Russia's proposal to organize work in three groups in an online format, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference. Moscow is ready for talks on the Ukrainian settlement in any format, provided that they are honest and do not amount to Washington's involvement in Europe's aggressive, belligerent campaign.
TASS has compiled the key statements made by the top Russian diplomat.
Russia has proposed raising the level of delegation heads in negotiations with Ukraine. "Following a telephone conversation with President [Donald] Trump the other day, our president [Vladimir Putin] proposed not only continuing these negotiations but also raising the level of delegation heads."
Russia's proposal aligns with the initiative to discuss the political aspects of the settlement. "And this (raising the level of the heads of delegations - TASS) fits in with our suggestion that a separate block within this process be devoted to considering the political aspects of the settlement alongside the military and humanitarian aspects."
Moscow is open to any format of negotiations on Ukraine, but summit meetings must be carefully prepared at all preceding stages: "We are ready for any format, but when it comes to a summit, it must be carefully prepared at all preceding stages so that such meetings do not worsen the situation, but instead bring negotiations to a meaningful conclusion, which we are ready to pursue."
