Lavrov: Ukraine as Yugoslavia in 1999.

The head of Russian diplomacy, Sergei Lavrov, said that the situation in Ukraine is reminiscent of the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999 and that responsibility for the crisis lies with Washington.

"We have reasons to believe that the leading European countries already understand their responsibility for what is happening in Ukraine. We want the US to join the EU in understanding that responsibility," Lavrov said.

He said that now the most important thing is to think about how to save human lives and called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Ukraine.

"It is in the common interest to stop the bloodshed as soon as possible. There is no room for any reservations or excuses for postponing the truce, as this would endanger the peaceful, civilian population even more," Lavrov said.

The head of Russian diplomacy said that the truce would lead to the beginning of peace negotiations in which "the rights of all regions should be respected and a political road map towards a solution to the crisis should be set."

During a press conference during a two-day visit to Sofia, the Russian minister said that the events in Ukraine reminded him of Belgrade in 1999 and the start of NATO bombing without the approval of the UN Security Council, and that of a sovereign state that did not pose a threat to alliance members.

"The principle of sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of states have the importance of the highest priority. There are no opposing military-political alliances in Europe today, and the creation of such alliances is counterproductive. The events in and around Ukraine are only proof of such a thing," Lavrov said. .