Russia says it is open to ‘resolving conflict in Ukraine peacefully’

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasizes Moscow’s openness to peaceful resolution in Ukraine, citing Kyiv’s barriers to negotiations

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Wednesday that Moscow is willing to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, but Kyiv’s self-imposed restrictions are hindering the start of negotiations.

In an interview with the Brazilian newspaper O Globo, Lavrov expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s willingness to engage in talks with Russia. He mentioned that Kyiv and Western powers are primarily focused on promoting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s formula, which contains unacceptable ultimatums for Russia, and rejects alternative proposals, including those from Brazil.

Lavrov reiterated that the objectives of the special military operation, as outlined by President Vladimir Putin, aim to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine, while addressing threats to Russia’s security originating from Ukrainian territory.

‘No choice but to continue operation’

He emphasized the need to address the root causes of the Ukraine crisis for a sustainable and equitable settlement, urging the West to halt weapon supplies to Ukraine and for Kyiv to cease hostilities. Lavrov also called for Ukraine to reinstate its neutral, non-aligned, and non-nuclear status, ensuring the rights and freedoms of its citizens based on new territorial realities.

Expressing regret over the lack of political will from Kyiv and Western powers to resolve the conflict, Lavrov stated that Russia has no choice but to continue the special military operation until its objectives are met.

Regarding Russia’s relations with the U.S., Lavrov noted disappointment in former President Donald Trump’s time, stating that it did not improve bilateral relations. He emphasized Russia’s readiness to collaborate with any U.S. leader based on their policies toward Russia, as highlighted by Putin in a recent televised interview.

Source: Newsroom

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