Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in an interview aired late Thursday, stated Moscow hopes the West takes its “signal” from the current check of the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile “seriously.”
“We do not seek to escalate the situation in Ukraine, but with ATACMS and other long-range weapons being used against Russian territory, we are sending a message. We hope the recent test of the Oreshnik system, just a couple of weeks ago, was understood as such,” Lavrov instructed U.S. journalist Tucker Carlson in Moscow.
He additionally emphasised that Ukraine couldn’t make use of its long-range weapons with out “direct participation” from U.S. personnel, calling the scenario “dangerous.” The “signal” to the West, Lavrov added, is obvious: Moscow is ready to make use of “any means” to keep away from a “strategic defeat” for Russia.
“The point of testing this hypersonic system in action is to show that we will do whatever it takes to defend our legitimate interests. We deeply regret even considering a war with the United States, especially one with nuclear consequences,” Lavrov stated.
On Nov. 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated his nation struck a plant within the Ukrainian metropolis of Dnipro utilizing an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile in response to Kyiv’s use of Western long-range weapons on Russian territory.
Lavrov additional stated that there are a number of channels for dialogue between Moscow and Washington and that the U.S. is repeating its public requires Russia’s acceptance of Ukraine’s peace proposals.
Commenting on the phrases Russia would settle for to attain peace in Ukraine, Lavrov stated Moscow is able to negotiate primarily based on the rules agreed upon throughout talks in Istanbul in April 2022.
He pressured that the “key principle” for Russia is that Ukraine doesn’t develop into a part of any bloc, together with NATO.
“No NATO. Absolutely no military bases, no military exercises on Ukrainian soil with the participation of foreign troops,” Lavrov stated.
Lavrov additionally stated NATO, below U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration, is in search of to develop in Eurasia and is transferring its infrastructure.
He accused the Biden administration of eager to “leave a legacy to the Trump administration as bad as they can.”
Speaking about U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Lavrov described the incoming president as a “very strong” one who “wants results.”
“This is my impression. He’s very friendly in discussions. But this does not mean that he’s pro-Russian, as some people try to present him. The amount of sanctions we received under the Trump administration was very big,” he stated.
Lavrov added that Russia respects the selection of the American individuals within the U.S. presidential election held final month and that Moscow is open to contacts with Trump following his inauguration.
Source: www.dailysabah.com