Russia ready for peace talks with Ukraine, but situation on ground must be considered: Lavrov

Russia is open to negotiations to resolve the Ukraine crisis, but such talks must address its "root causes" and reflect realities on the ground, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Sunday in an interview with RIA Novosti.

Lavrov stressed the need to ensure Ukraine's "non-aligned, neutral and non-nuclear status" to "eliminate the long-term threats to Russia's security posed by the West, including NATO expansion."

Ukraine must take on specific obligations to ensure the rights, freedoms and interests of Russian-speaking citizens, he added.

Earlier, Ukraine's Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak was quoted as saying in an interview with Suspilne on Dec. 12 by local media Kyiv Independent that Ukraine was not prepared to enter negotiations with Russia as it lacks sufficient Western support to engage from a position of strength.

Russia ready for peace talks with Ukraine, but situation on ground must be considered: Lavrov

Russia ready for peace talks with Ukraine, but situation on ground must be considered: Lavrov

Russia ready for peace talks with Ukraine, but situation on ground must be considered: Lavrov

Russia ready for peace talks with Ukraine, but situation on ground must be considered: Lavrov

Gold and silver prices both set new records on Monday as investors piled into safe-haven assets amid rising geopolitical tensions and expectations of a rate cut from the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Gold futures for February delivery settled 2.53 percent higher at 4,614.70 U.S. dollars per ounce on Comex on Monday.

The price of March silver futures closed at 85.091 U.S. dollars per ounce, up 7.25 percent from the previous close.

Gold, silver prices climb to record highs on Monday