Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova announced Thursday that the ministry considers the proposals for security guarantees, which were submitted to the US State Department, a basis for starting a substantive dialogue between the two sides.

According to her, this way Russia is undertaking practical steps "that should lead to dialogue on principal key issues" both for bilateral relations with the US and from the point of view of global stability and security.

On Wednesday, US Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried held her first meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov in Moscow.

The Russian ministry said in a statement that "the sides held a substantive discussion of the issues of security guarantees in the light of the incessant attempts by the United States and NATO to change the military and political situation in Europe in their favor." 

Donfried also met in Moscow with Kremlin Deputy Chief of Staff Dmitry Kozak.

"During these meetings, Dr. Donfried discussed U.S. concerns regarding Russia’s military buildup near Ukraine and reinforced the United States’ commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  The Assistant Secretary emphasized that progress is possible on ending the conflict in eastern Ukraine through implementation of the Minsk agreements and that the United States is ready to support diplomatic efforts, in support of the Normandy Format," the embassy added in a statement.