(VOVworld) – The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, discussed tensions in southeastern Ukraine on Monday with US Secretary of State John Kerry and Federica Mongherini, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Lavrov said tensions had resulted from Kiev avoiding direct dialogue with Donetsk and Lugansk by all means, and forcing the violent suppression of southeastern Ukraine. He urged the US and EU to use its influence to persuade the Ukrainian authorities to backtrack from the military scenario and engage in a political solution to the conflict.

Members of the Ukrainian armed forces drive armored vehicles in the town of Volnovakha, eastern Ukraine. (Photo: Reuters)

During their phone conversation, Lavrov and Kerry called for an immediate cessation of shelling and for the withdrawal of heavy weaponry. Both leaders confirmed their readiness to promote a peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis.