Lavrov declared Russia's readiness to see Ukraine as neutral and benevolent.

Russia is ready to see Ukraine as not necessarily allied, but neutral and benevolent. This was announced on February 5 by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

"This should be a friendly Ukraine, not necessarily allied with us, but neutral and benevolent," Lavrov said in an interview with Rick Sanchez for RT on Diplomatic Worker's Day.

The Minister noted that such an approach implies citizens' access to the necessary benefits of civilization and respect, as the Minister emphasized, for basic human rights, including language, education and religion.

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A day earlier, Lavrov said that Russia had never changed the terms of the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, unlike other participants in the negotiations. He also called Russia's position on the settlement consistent and understandable.

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