“As you know, there will be a telephone contact between Putin and Biden to discuss the Ukrainian crisis.

This time - at the initiative of the Russian side.

On the 10th and 12th, bilateral contacts in the Russia-NATO format will also take place.

After these contacts, we hope for a normalization of the situation and a softening.

It is necessary that this tension does not continue, "the minister said, quoted by RIA Novosti.

The meeting of the heads of state, according to the White House, is scheduled for 23:30 Moscow time on Thursday, December 30.

It will take place at the initiative of the Russian side.