Russia may help resolve crisis in Ukraine if Ukraine asks for such help - Lavrov
MOSCOW. Jan 21 (Interfax) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia is ready to act as a mediator in the settlement of the political crisis in Ukraine on condition that Ukraine asks for such help.
"There can only be one circumstance: if we are asked to do that. However, as far as I understand, such assistance is not needed: there are currently direct contacts between the president, the government, and the opposition," Lavrov told a press conference on Tuesday, responding to a Ukrainian journalist's question as to whether Russia is ready to help resolve the crisis in Ukraine.
"I think the first meeting has been held to establish such contacts. No doubt, we condemn any violence. And I hope everyone understands that provocations like those that we see on television are unacceptable," the minister said.
