Russia speaks out about ceasefire in Ukraine

(Dan Tri) - The Russian Foreign Minister said that the West and Kiev are currently only talking about a ceasefire in Ukraine, but this does not suit Moscow.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (Photo: Tass).

“As for the essence of the ongoing dialogue between the West and Ukraine: they are talking only about a ceasefire that would allow the Kiev authorities, with the help of the West, to once again gather forces and make new attempts to carry out the West’s orders to inflict a ‘strategic defeat’ on Russia,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on the 60 Minutes program on the Rossiya-1 TV channel on December 25.

"A ceasefire does not suit us, we need reliable and legally binding agreements," Lavrov stressed.

According to Russia's top diplomat, the agreements should be aimed at eliminating the root causes of the conflict in Ukraine.

“These issues include common security in Europe, NATO enlargement, the recent decision of EU countries to join NATO and essentially eliminate all differences between the two organizations, and certainly taking into account the rights of those people who have decided to reunite with Russia,” Lavrov added.

Foreign Minister Lavrov affirmed that Russia needs serious and specific proposals to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

"We never shy away from negotiations and President Vladimir Putin has always stressed this. However, we need to evaluate clear and credible proposals when they are presented. Of course, our decision to respond to such proposals will be guided by our national interests, the goals of the special military operation and the president's statements on June 14 at the Russian Foreign Ministry," Lavrov said.

The Russian diplomat affirmed that the principles for resolving the Ukraine crisis proposed by President Vladimir Putin stem from international law.

"The principles put forward by Russian President Vladimir Putin for resolving the Ukraine crisis are not preconditions. They come from international law," Lavrov said.

“These comments emphasize the need to comply with the commitments that have been repeatedly made. The militarization of Ukraine is a direct violation of the agreement that NATO will not expand eastward or approach Russia's borders. Upholding obligations under the UN Charter, in particular regarding human rights, including freedom of language and religion - are these conditions? These are basic expectations that any member of the global community must fulfill,” Lavrov stressed.

In June, President Putin outlined more specific terms for ending the conflict, including: Ukraine would have to abandon its ambitions to join NATO and withdraw all troops from all territories claimed by Russia.

Ukraine rejected those conditions, arguing they amounted to surrender. Instead, it presented a “victory plan” and called for more Western support.

Foreign Minister Lavrov referred to the fact that "the Kiev government is being used by the West, when the West needs to remove a strong opponent like Russia from the international arena".

"The West wants to eliminate any opponents. Ukraine has been chosen as a weapon against us," Lavrov accused.

Mr Lavrov warned that Ukraine's continued attacks on Russian territory would face an increasingly harsh response.

“As for the ongoing terrorist attacks by the Kiev authorities, targeting civilian locations such as residential buildings, hospitals, clinics, shops and public gathering areas – this is absolutely unacceptable. These actions are in direct violation of all anti-terrorism conventions and UN Security Council resolutions. We strongly warn that such continued actions will lead to an increasingly stronger and more decisive response,” the top diplomat said.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/nga-len-tieng-ve-lenh-ngung-ban-o-ukraine-20241225182544440.htm