8 Mar 2022 14:47

Lavrov, Vatican secretary of state express hope for prompt agreement on key issues between Moscow, Kyiv

MOSCOW. March 8 (Interfax) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Secretary of State of Vatican Pietro Parolin have had a telephone call on March 8, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

"The parties expressed hope for the next round of talks between Moscow and Kyiv soon and an agreement on the key issues lying in the center of the Ukrainian crisis in order to settle it and cease hostilities," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

"After Parolin expressed concern about the situation in Ukraine, Lavrov informed him about Russia's principled on about the causes and objectives of the special military operation conducted in Ukraine," it said.

"Special emphasis was placed on humanitarian issues related to the conflict, including measures to protect civilians, organization and operation of humanitarian corridors, assistance to refugees," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.