Lavrov: Russia will stop hostilities after achieving a firm result

Hostilities in Ukraine will stop after Russia is satisfied with the result of the negotiations. This was announced by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on 24 February.

"We will stop hostilities only when the negotiations produce a firm sustainable result that suits the Russian Federation. Of course, the realities on the ground must be taken into account," he said at a press conference following talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Another condition for the cessation of military confrontations, the Russian Foreign Minister said, was the Ukrainian side's direct rejection of NATO membership. Lavrov also emphasized that Moscow would not be satisfied with a ceasefire along the line of contact and thought over further steps.

Peace, but settlement: when a breakthrough in Russia-U.S. talks on Ukraine is possible

And why Europe is desperate to prevent Moscow and Washington from resolving the conflict

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on February 24 that a cease-fire in Ukraine without eliminating the root causes of the conflict threatens severe consequences for Russian-US relations. In his words, Russia needs to find a long-term solution that would include an element of overcoming the root causes of what is happening in and around Ukraine.