Foreign Minister Lavrov warns of consequences of opposing Russia-Ukraine talks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on those who oppose talks between Moscow and Kiev to understand its consequences, and things will get harder.
In an interview with RT about the documentary “Bridges to the East”, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that those who oppose negotiations between Russia and Ukraine must understand the consequences of such an approach.
“Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned the possibility of negotiations a year and a half ago. The president said that we are not against it. Those who oppose it must understand that the longer they delay, the more difficult the negotiations will be,” the Russian foreign minister said.
Mr. Lavrov noted that, during the negotiations in Istanbul (Türkiye), which took place immediately after the start of the Russian special operation, it was easy to come to an agreement, but Ukraine did not want this.
Russia has repeatedly expressed its readiness to negotiate, but Ukraine has yet to lift the ban on peace talks at the legislative level.
In June 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin put forward initiatives to peacefully resolve the conflict in Ukraine: Moscow will immediately cease fire and declare its readiness for negotiations after Ukrainian troops withdraw from the territory of the newly annexed regions to Russia.
In addition, Kiev must declare its abandonment of NATO membership and demilitarization, as well as accept neutral, non-aligned and nuclear-free status. The Russian leader also mentioned lifting sanctions against the country.
