Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, asserted that Russia is “interested in ending the war in Ukraine as fast as possible”.
Source: Russian state-owned news agency RIA Novosti with reference to Lavrov’s statement after his meeting with Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Mauro Vieira.
Quote: “It goes without saying that we are interested in ending the Ukrainian conflict as fast as possible. We have repeatedly explained the reasons for events unfolding, [and – ed.] the goals we aim at in regards to this.”
Details: Russian media report that Lavrov and Vieira discussed “the context which should be taken into account in order to tackle such problems in a way that is based on long-term agreements rather than short-term solutions.”
Background:
- The Ukrainian government has repeatedly emphasised that negotiations could begin only on the condition of Russia withdrawing its forces behind Ukrainian borders as established in 1991.
- The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation has stated that Russia “does not accept preconditions regarding Ukraine“, particularly the requirement to withdraw the Russian troops.
- In December 2022, Lavrov stated that Russia allegedly never asked for negotiations with Ukraine, but at the same time is open to let the other side be heard.