Moscow warns against use of force in eastern Ukraine

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks during a news conference after a meeting with his counterpart from Burundi Laurent Kavakure in Moscow January 14, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

MOSCOW -- Russia warned Kiev authorities against attempts to revert to use of force to resolve the Ukraine crisis, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday.

"We are very worried ...that the ceasefire regime, which seems to have just started to be established, is being violated. Shellings occurred regularly and widely in the past few days," an online statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry quoted Lavrov as saying.

"We warn our Ukrainian colleagues against attempts to return to force scenarios. This conflict could be resolved only by direct dialogue and other peaceful means," Lavrov said.

Lavrov's remarks were made at a press conference after he met with visiting Burundian External Relations and International Cooperation Minister Laurent Kavakure.

On Tuesday's deadly shelling of passenger bus in eastern Ukraine, Lavrov insisted that a thorough and objective investigation should be conducted before making unwarranted charges.

"We expect the OSCE mission that is now at the scene to honestly conduct all necessary investigative measures," Lavrov said.

"We seek for justice and truth. We hope everyone else would do the same instead of using the tragedy to justify actions that would only lead to more severe confrontation and to military scenario."