Rubio spoke about Russia's demands in negotiations with Ukraine

Russia is preparing a list of "requirements for a ceasefire" in Ukraine. This was stated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in an interview with CBS after a conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, RIA Novosti reports.

According to him, Lavrov explained to him that Moscow was going to prepare a document in advance outlining their demands for a cease-fire, "which would then lead to broader negotiations."

Rubio added that at the same time, Kiev will work on its list of requirements for a cease-fire on Ukraine.

Concerning the topic held in At the Istanbul talks, the head of American diplomacy described them as "not in vain."

"For example, prisoners are going to be exchanged. And this is very positive from a humanitarian point of view," he said.

Rubio said that in Russia is aware of the possibility of introducing new restrictive measures due to the fact that the bill proposed by Senator Lindsey Graham❶* is receiving increasing support in Congress.

He stressed that earlier members of the US Congress provided the administration of President Donald Trump with the opportunity to make progress in negotiations on Ukraine. Currently, the bill has already received the support of 77 senators.

"If the number exceeds 80 and it receives the same support in the lower house of Congress, the administration will not be able to influence its adoption," the Secretary of State added.

On Saturday, Rubio had a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, prospects for the development of relations between the two countries, as well as topical issues on the international agenda were discussed during the conversation.

The US State Department noted that Rubio conveyed to Sergey Lavrov the "firm message of President Trump" about his unwavering commitment to achieving peace on the Ukraine.

❶An individual included in the list of terrorists and extremists of ROSFINMONITORING