Lavrov claims Russia in secret contact with some European leaders over Ukraine
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has claimed that Moscow is in secret contact with some European leaders and that they are discussing an end to Russia's war against Ukraine.
Source: Lavrov in an interview with RT, a Russian government-funded news television network
Quote: "I will not hide it, we are in contact with some European leaders. They call and ask that these conversations remain unannounced. Some even come here. And so they maintain secret contact."
Details: Lavrov added that remarks made by European leaders "during this private, confidential contact" do not differ from what they say publicly.
"The same calls: let's end this [the Russian aggression against Ukraine], something must be done," he said.
He went on to claim that Europe has taken an "uncompromising position", which is that Russia must suffer a "strategic defeat".
"[Their position is the following:] Ukraine must not lose, Russia must not win, otherwise Europe loses face. Everything they are doing now is aimed at preventing and disrupting talks that seem to be only just taking shape between the Americans and us, and now Ukrainian representatives are also joining in," Lavrov noted.
Background:
- According to a communiqué on the outcome of the trilateral talks held in Abu Dhabi on 4-5 February, the US, Ukrainian and Russian delegations discussed methods for implementing a ceasefire and monitoring the cessation of hostilities.
- Following the Abu Dhabi talks, the US and Russia have agreed to resume high-level military dialogue.
- On 5 February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his evening address that further meetings are already being planned as part of the negotiation process and they are likely to take place in the US.
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