Moscow:Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Tuesday that the diesel deal between Russia and the United States is a "purely business arrangement" without any political or security-related conditions attached.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Lavrov made these remarks during a meeting with chief editors of African media outlets in Moscow. He emphasized that this deal represents a "pragmatic approach" by leaders focused on their countries' economies and the global economy, prioritizing the interests of citizens over geopolitical objectives.

Lavrov refuted any conditions linked to the deal, such as political or security actions in regions like the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that no such linkages were made. Additionally, Lavrov criticized the European approach to negotiations, noting a lack of change in their strategy. He referred to a phone call involving Russian President Vladimir Putin, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr, stating it produced "nothing new" and questioned Europe's positions in the negotiation process.

Turning his attention to Africa, Lavrov accused Western countries, including France, of involving Ukrainian military personnel in terrorist operations and acts of sabotage in the Sahel region, particularly in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. He claimed that Western capitals were bringing in Ukrainian forces to execute these tasks, while Russia was aiding Sahel countries in combating terrorism through the Russian Defense Ministry's Africa Corps operating in the region.