Lavrov: Removing the Ukrainian Issue – A Condition for Normalizing Relations with Washington

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the new administration of US President Donald Trump seeks to remove the Ukrainian issue from the international agenda.

According to Lavrov, this is a prerequisite for "restoring normal economic relations" between Moscow and Washington.

This statement casts a serious shadow on hopes for international cooperation and raises questions about the priorities of US foreign policy.

Removing the Ukrainian problem from the agenda could be seen as a concession to Russian aggression and potentially undermine efforts for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Readiness for Compromises?

In the same statement, Lavrov declared a readiness for compromise solutions on the Ukrainian issue.

However, he sets a categorical condition: guaranteeing the so-called "legitimate interests" of Russian citizens in Ukraine and the security interests of the Russian Federation.

This is a formulation that allows Moscow to define its interests broadly and in its own way, without adhering to international law or the decisions of the international community.

There is a real danger that this will be used as a tool for further imposing Russia"s will.

"President Putin has repeatedly emphasized that compromises are the basis for lasting peace. We are ready to seek them, but on condition that the interests of all parties, including ours, are taken into account", Lavrov quoted the words of the Russian president.

This statement needs to be considered in the context of the ongoing Russian military aggression and the annexation of Crimea, actions that seriously undermine the principles of international law and the territorial integrity of a sovereign state.

The requirement to take into account Russia"s "interests" can be interpreted as an attempt to legitimize its illegal actions.

Illegitimate Referendums

Lavrov insists that the results of the so-called "referendums" in the occupied Ukrainian territories should form the basis of any future agreement.

This is a categorically unacceptable statement, as these "referendums" are widely condemned by the international community as illegal and illegitimate.

Insisting on their inclusion in the negotiations means a complete disregard for international law and a violation of Ukraine_q_s sovereignty.

Source: Pravda Gerashchenko