Moscow: Russia is set to announce a new round of negotiations with Ukraine imminently, according to the country's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He emphasized that addressing the fundamental causes of the conflict is crucial for any potential resolution.
According to Anadolu Agency, Lavrov made these remarks at the 13th Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues in Moscow. He credited the resumption of direct negotiations to the initiative of US President Donald Trump, with significant support from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi leaders. Lavrov expressed gratitude for their involvement.
Reflecting on the previous meeting held on May 16 in Istanbul, Lavrov highlighted Russia's insistence on the abolition of discriminatory laws in Ukraine, a stance they intend to maintain in the forthcoming talks. He stressed that without tackling core issues such as NATO's expansion and Ukraine's potential alliance membership, the negotiations would likely falter.
"Negotiations are better than war," Lavrov stated, underlining the necessity of removing the root causes of the conflict. He pointed to NATO's eastward expansion as a catalyst for the crisis in Ukraine and a threat to European security.
Lavrov reiterated Moscow's demands for Ukraine to remain neutral, non-aligned, and non-nuclear-a position previously discussed in the 2022 Istanbul talks. He criticized the West's stance on Ukraine's territorial integrity, arguing it overlooks the principle of self-determination.
"The West calls for human rights but turns a blind eye to terrorist acts by the Kyiv regime, including the killings of Russian public figures," Lavrov commented. He also expressed concern over NATO's increasing presence near Russia's borders and in the Asia-Pacific region, describing such moves as "dangerous adventures."
Lavrov also addressed other international issues, advocating for the revival of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process in accordance with UN resolutions and supporting the establishment of a Palestinian state. Regarding Iran's nuclear program, he noted "serious progress" in US-Iran discussions and expressed hope for a mutually agreeable outcome.
In a prior video address to the meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the need for a new global security framework that ensures all states receive firm security guarantees without compromising the security and interests of other nations.
The last direct talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul on May 16, facilitated by Turkish mediation. Russia attributes the ongoing conflict primarily to NATO's expansion and discriminatory legislation in Ukraine.