MOSCOW. Oct 29 (Interfax) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and ambassadors of the BRICS member states have discussed the situation in Ukraine in Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Lavrov met with the heads of BRICS countries' diplomatic missions accredited in Moscow on October 29, the statement said.
"The parties had an in-depth exchange of views on the situation in and around Ukraine. The Russian side explained in detail the fundamental approaches to the settlement of the Ukraine crisis based on Russian President Vladimir Putin's initiative of June 14," it said.
"The main elements of Moscow's stance, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from all regions of our country, recognition of their Russian belonging, Kiev's refusal to apply for NATO membership, lifting of Western sanctions imposed on Russia, full and guaranteed protection of the rights of Russian-speaking citizens in Ukraine were emphasized" at the meeting, it said.
"The parties also discussed ways to further strengthen the strategic partnerships within BRICS in the light of the results of the 16th association summit chaired by Russia, which took place in Kazan on October 22-24", it said.