Why Invite Them There: Lavrov

The representatives of Russia and the United States will relay the results of their meeting in Riyadh to the presidents of both countries, after which Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump will determine the next steps. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, as reported by Meduza.

Speaking about expectations for the upcoming negotiations, Lavrov noted that he would primarily like to hear from the American representatives. “When we go to negotiations at the request of our partners, we want to hear them first. That’s why we will listen to our American counterparts and, of course, be ready to respond,” Lavrov said.

In response to a question regarding the potential participation of European countries in negotiations for the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war, the Russian Foreign Minister stated that he does not understand why Europe should take part in the negotiations. He recalled the Minsk agreements and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel's comments about the goals of those agreements. “Now, at the same Munich conference, calls were made, specifically by the President of Finland. Alexander Stubb said that it is necessary first and foremost to conclude a ceasefire and use it for Ukraine's military buildup. This means that the Europeans' philosophy has not disappeared anywhere. That is why I don’t know what they should do at the negotiating table. If they act this way and promote some cunning ideas about freezing the conflict, and if they, as usual, have the continuation of the war in mind, then why invite them there?” Lavrov stated.

Earlier, it was reported that representatives of the Russian Federation and the United States are at the negotiation venue in Saudi Arabia.