Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed Ukraine’s contradictory statements on peace talks and expressed reluctance to listen to them. This came after Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba’s visit to China, where Kuleba stated that China supported Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Lavrov responded dismissively to Kuleba and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s comments, indicating that Ukraine’s stance has been inconsistent in the past.
During a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Laos, Lavrov spoke to Russian journalists about the situation. Lavrov mentioned that Kuleba had previously talked about negotiations and Zelensky had expressed readiness to engage in talks with Russian representatives. However, Lavrov stated that he does not listen to Ukraine’s statements, implying that their position has been questionable. Lavrov also discussed Russia’s discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, where they confirmed that China’s position on the matter remains unchanged.
In regards to peace talks, Lavrov mentioned that Beijing insists on a format that is acceptable to all sides involved. Zelensky had previously stated that Russia should be represented at a second peace summit, as they were not invited to a previous one in Switzerland where China did not attend. Lavrov also alluded to possible positions that former U.S. President Donald Trump may hold on Ukraine if re-elected. Lavrov cited an article by ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, which discussed Trump’s proposal to allocate $500 billion on lend-lease conditions instead of giving Ukraine money.
Lavrov dismissed Trump’s proposal as not serious, calling it the approach of a businessman. Lavrov emphasized that Russia is open to honest conversations but expects serious proposals to be put forward. Lavrov reiterated that they are always ready for discussions, taking into account the current realities. Lavrov’s comments indicate Russia’s cautious approach to negotiations with Ukraine and the potential involvement of international players such as China and the United States in the peace process.
Overall, the statements made by Lavrov reflect Russia’s skepticism towards Ukraine’s stance on peace talks and its insistence on a format that is acceptable to all parties involved. The interactions between Russia, Ukraine, China, and the United States add complexity to the ongoing conflict, highlighting the importance of diplomatic efforts to reach a resolution. Lavrov’s remarks on Trump’s potential position on Ukraine also underscore the need for serious and meaningful proposals to move the peace process forward. Ultimately, the situation remains fluid, with various stakeholders expressing different perspectives and approaches to resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
