Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss have held talks in Moscow as part of diplomatic efforts to ease the tensions over Ukraine. But they failed to narrow their differences.

Their meeting on Thursday came amid the escalating tensions around Ukraine, with Russia massing troops along its border with the neighbor.

Lavrov later told reporters that Russia does not threaten anyone, rather it is being threatened. He accused Western nations of utilizing the president of Ukraine to tip the power balance in their favor.

Lavrov revealed the meeting failed to narrow differences over Russia's demand that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, stop its expansion.

Lavrov said he was disappointed with the talks with Truss because she appeared to be listening but actually was not taking in anything.

Truss insisted that Russia's aggressive move against Ukraine has significantly tarnished Russia's international standing.

Truss called on Russia to withdraw troops amassed on the border with Ukraine, saying such a move further distances the people of Ukraine from Russia.

Lavrov said it is regrettable that Russia was told to pull back troops deployed in its territory.

Efforts to ease the tensions continue, with British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace scheduled to visit Russia on Friday.