The sides currently have a real chance for a peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian crisis on the basis of the Minsk agreements, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday.
"Today there is a real chance of a peaceful settlement on the basis of the Minsk agreements," Lavrov said at a meeting of the World Coordination Council of Russian Compatriots.
He underscored the importance of complete and consistent implementation of the Minsk measures.
"The key factor is to establish a direct, stable dialogue of the Ukrainian authorities with Donetsk and Lugansk."
Lavrov added that the Ukrainian crisis as well as "the Western anti-Russia campaign including the illegitimate unilateral sanctions" has been a test of strength for Russian compatriots abroad.
The conflict in Donbass erupted in April 2014, when Kiev authorities launched a military operation against local independence supporters who rejected the legitimacy of the new power.
On February 12, the conflict parties in Minsk agreed on a set of measures aimed at ending the hostilities. However, clashes continue.
