Lavrov, Swiss President Hold Phone Talks over Ukraine Situation

Russian Foreign Minister (FM) Sergei Lavrov held phone talks with Swiss President Ignazio Cassis over the situation in Ukraine.

"During their conversation, the focus was mainly on the situation in and around Ukraine, tasks of solving acute humanitarian problems, including measures to protect the civilian population," the Russian ministry said in a statement.

"Lavrov detailed the reasons of the crisis, and clarified Russian's principled position on the causes and objectives of the special military operation, and assessed the negotiation process between Russian and Ukrainian representatives," the statement read.

Moreover, both officials agreed to "continue the dialogue, including taking into account the willingness shown by Switzerland to make a meaningful contribution to achieving a realistic outcome."