Lavrov says Russia supports direct talks with Ukraine

Russia supports the launch of direct negotiations with Ukraine without preconditions, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday following a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in Brazil, TASS reported.

"Our proposal, as voiced by President Vladimir Putin, is to begin direct talks without any preconditions," Lavrov said. "A ceasefire, in this context, would serve as a precondition used to reinforce the Kyiv regime and enhance its military capabilities."