Moscow: Russia is ready to resume negotiations with Ukraine and has 'something to say' at the talks, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday. Speaking at a roundtable with members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Moscow, Lavrov stated that Moscow remains prepared to seek 'reasonable compromises' while keeping its core security demands unchanged.
According to Anadolu Agency, Lavrov emphasized that Russia is open to negotiations but will not compromise on its goals of ensuring national security and preventing NATO from appearing on its borders. Despite the willingness to talk, Lavrov asserted that Russia would continue its military operations during any negotiations. He blamed European countries for persuading the US to abandon agreements made between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump in Alaska last August, which he claimed could have ended the conflict a year ago.
Lavrov also noted an upcoming meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, where he plans to discuss these issues further. Additionally, Lavrov expressed concern over increased attempts by Western countries to restrict freedom of navigation, alleging that European states have detained vessels under false pretenses.
The Russian diplomat predicted that Ukraine's military conscription might soon extend to women, indicating a potential escalation in the conflict. He also criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) for allegedly targeting Russia exclusively in its Ukraine investigation. Lavrov accused the ICC of bias and claimed that countries like Britain, the Netherlands, Canada, and Japan financially supported the ICC to ensure investigations against Russia.
Lavrov further criticized the ICC's involvement in the Palestinian issue, suggesting that it was an attempt to divert attention from internal controversies and give an impression of impartiality. He expressed skepticism about the ICC making meaningful progress on the Palestine case and reiterated Russia's solidarity with the Palestinian cause, emphasizing the need for UN decisions to establish a Palestinian state.