MOSCOW, Dec 29 Russia does not intend to talk to anyone based on the «peace formula» proposed by Vladimir Zelensky, it is obvious that Kyiv itself is not ready for dialogue, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview.
"Obviously, Kyiv is not ready for dialogue. Putting forward all sorts of ideas and «formulas of peace», Zelensky cherishes the illusion of achieving, with the help of the West, the withdrawal of our troops from the Russian territory of Donbass, Crimea, Zaporozhye and Kherson region, the payment of reparations by Russia, the appearance «with confession in international tribunals»; etc. Of course, we will not talk to anyone on such terms,” Lavrov said.
He added that Moscow did not abandon the idea of a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
«Let me remind you that immediately after the start of the special military operation, Volodymyr Zelensky came up with an initiative to sit down at the negotiating table. We did not reject it and agreed to a meeting with his representatives. Several rounds of negotiations showed that it was possible to find mutually acceptable agreements. However, the negotiation process that began in February «Zelensky demonstrated complete lack of independence in making important decisions. Already in April, at the behest of the Anglo-Saxons, who were interested in continuing hostilities, he quickly stopped negotiations and sharply toughened his position,» the minister concluded. It is difficult to say whether adequate politicians remained in Ukraine.
«Whether adequate politicians remained in the territories controlled by the Kyiv regime is difficult to say, especially given the widespread practice of suppressing dissent and extrajudicial reprisals against dissent. Can some sane political figure appear in Kyiv later? Azal Lavrov.
In early November, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after reports from Western media that Kyiv was being pushed into a dialogue with Moscow, named the republic's conditions for starting negotiations. According to him, this is «restoration of territorial integrity, respect for the UN Charter, compensation for all losses, punishment of every war criminal and guarantees that this will not happen again.» Russian leadership.
In Moscow, however, they have repeatedly spoken about openness.
President Vladimir Putin noted that all conflicts end through diplomatic methods. As the head of state added, «the sooner this awareness comes to those who oppose us, the better.» Russia has always said it is open to talks on Ukraine, Putin pointed out.
As the Kremlin said, Zelensky knows that, if desired, hostilities in the country can end the next day.
Read the full text of Sergey's interview Lavrov >>