Confirming that Moscow would publish a public message on this, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that his country would respond later to American proposals on security in Europe.

Lavrov's talk came during a press conference in Moscow with his Italian counterpart, Luigi Di Maio.

Lavrov said: "Today we will be sending this message to the American side," he said, adding that the content of the message carrying Moscow's reply would be made public.

Such a step would open the way for negotiations between the parties.

Russia demands security assurances from Washington and NATO in Europe, which will ensure that Ukraine does not join the alliance, as well as withdrawal of NATO forces from countries in Eastern Europe such as Poland and Romania.

Russian - American talks last January reportedly failed to resolve the issue.

At the same press conference, Lavrov said that Moscow did not believe that Rome was interested in escalation, and what she knew was that Italy was concerned to seek compromise.

For his part, Di Maio said Italy was working to avoid new sanctions against Russia.

Italy's new position is a win-win for Russia. Ruma is a member of both the European Union and NATO, which means that the Western position will not be united.