Lavrov: Russia Prefers Diplomatic Solution in Ukraine

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said Moscow still prioritises a political and diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine conflict. However, he noted that Russia cannot do much if the United States shares the view of European leaders and Ukraine that the Anchorage summit agreements have ended. Lavrov recalled that French President Emmanuel Macron had openly stated that the Anchorage agreements and the understandings resulting from the meeting no longer exist. According to him, the United States supports Paris’s view, while Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has also said the Anchorage agreements have been buried. “If that assessment is also held by the United States, then what can we do? Of course, we have repeatedly said that we prefer a political and diplomatic settlement, but we will achieve our goals under any circumstances,” Lavrov told reporters on Friday. Lavrov further stated that the United States appears to have changed its approach in understanding the results of the meeting on Ukraine in Alaska. Nevertheless, he said Russia bears no moral burden because it was ready to implement the agreements. “The arrogant, one might even say dismissive, rejection of the American proposal occurred not least because (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy continues to be supplied with weapons. Drones are also being sent to him in very large numbers, which he uses to try to destabilise Russia by attacking civilians and civilian targets,” Lavrov said.