"I'm afraid there is currently no easy way to find a diplomatic or negotiated solution," TASS quoted him as saying.

According to Johnson, a political settlement would be a kind of "detour" for the Russian leadership.

Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the special operation in Ukraine is aimed at the liberation of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, now its new stage is beginning.

The head of the Russian Defense Ministry, Sergei Shoigu, said that the special military operation in Ukraine would continue until the set goals were achieved.

He also noted that the main tasks of the first stage of the special operation in Ukraine have already been completed.