MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. The situation on the battlefield shows that there is "still a long way to go" to a diplomatic solution of the Ukrainian crisis, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Rossiiskaya Gazeta daily.

"Judging by what has been happening on the battlefield, we have still a long way to go before we achieve a political and diplomatic solution for this crisis. Washington and its satellites remain possessed by the idea of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia, and are willing to go to great lengths to achieve this goal as far-fetched and unrealistic as it is," he said.

"Carrying out strikes deep inside Russian territory contributed to this escalation, while they ignored our warnings that these unacceptable actions would be met with an adequate response," the top Russian diplomat added.

He went on to say that in his November 21 address, Russian President Vladimir Putin made it clear how Russia will respond to such measures.

"I am certain that everyone responsible for hurting Russians or damaging Russian infrastructure will be held accountable," Lavrov continued.

"No matter what the adversary does to escalate the situation, it will never make us renounce efforts to achieve the special military operation’s goals. To paraphrase President Vladimir Putin, we are ready to face any developments but would prefer to address issues and resolve disputes by peaceful means," he said.