Russia agrees that security guarantees for Ukraine should be provided on an equal basis with the participation of countries such as China, the United States, the United Kingdom and France, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on August 20.

He added that Russia itself should also be among those providing Ukraine’s security guarantees.

“As for reports that Britain, France and Germany want to create and develop collective security guarantees, we are in favor of those guarantees being truly …

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said ceasefire agreements in Ukraine will not be reached unless Ukrainian authorities “fully respect” the rights of Russians and Russian-speaking people.

He outlined the conditions in an interview with state-run Rossiya 24, according to the RIA Novosti news agency. He added that a lasting peace won’t be possible unless the “causes” of the war are removed.

“Without respect for Russia’s security, without full respect for the rights of Russian and Russian- …

Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump discussed raising the rank of the Russian and Ukrainian representatives who take part in direct talks:

“In a subsequent phone call, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump voiced support for continuing direct negotiations between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine. In that context, the idea was discussed of studying the possibility of elevating the level of the Ukrainian and Russian representatives - that is, those taking …