Lavrov Explains When the Special Operation in Ukraine Will Conclude

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in an interview with Al Arabiya, responded to questions about the timeline for concluding the military special operation in Ukraine. Specifically, the journalist inquired whether it was possible to complete it by May 9.

"It will conclude once the objectives that I have already described to you are realized and implemented," Lavrov replied.

At the same time, he noted that peace negotiations have stalled due to the inconsistent positions of the Kyiv authorities. "If they were honest negotiators, if they were committed to what they had agreed upon step by step, we could have made significant progress in these negotiations," the minister stated.

He added that Ukraine could receive security guarantees from a group of states that may include permanent members of the UN Security Council, such as Germany and Turkey. "We are not opposed to it. The main thing is to understand how consistent they are, especially regarding which territories these guarantees pertain to. Of course, as you understand, they cannot relate to Crimea and Eastern Ukraine because we have recognized the independence of the country. Initially, they agreed on this during the negotiations in Istanbul, but then changed their position," Lavrov noted.

He emphasized that the negotiations are at a deadlock because Kyiv continually wants to play these games, as well as due to instructions from Washington, London, and other capitals to complicate the negotiation process.

Nevertheless, the minister is confident that Russia and Ukraine will live in peace and brotherly relations.