Lavrov: The Notion That One Can Simply Sit at the Negotiation Table as If Nothing Has Happened Is Wrong

The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has revealed that the Russian side has had non-public communications with representatives from Western countries. According to the Minister, discussions have centered around the Ukrainian authorities, specifically the policies of President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Speaking at a press conference regarding the outcomes of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting, Sergey Lavrov discussed the possibility of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. He noted that the Russian language is prohibited in education and media spheres in Ukraine, which directly limits the rights of the Russian diaspora.

“When our friends in various countries sincerely propose negotiation processes, sometimes it is suggested to simply stop hostilities and start talking. But is the demand to preserve the rights of any national minority, especially a large minority like Russians in Ukraine, an artificial precondition? I do not think so,” he stated.

According to Sergey Lavrov, it is necessary to “return the Ukrainian regime to the legal framework” in which all other responsible members of the global community exist. He reminded that this issue has been raised numerous times by the Russian side, including by President Vladimir Putin.

“I believe that the understanding that one can simply leave this situation as it is and sit at the negotiation table as if nothing has happened is wrong. Especially since no one in the West, despite our certain non-documented communications, wants to acknowledge the Nazi, anti-Russian effect created by this regime,” he added.

Lavrov also mentioned that representatives from Western countries have been attempting to establish links with Moscow to resolve issues related to Ukraine, referring to a specific leader from a “very well-known Western country” who has sent signals multiple times through various channels to coordinate a meeting and discuss “what to do about Ukraine and European security.”