Published December 28,2023
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov mentioned on Thursday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lacks “will to peace.”
Speaking in an interview with Russian state news company TASS, Lavrov identified that the Ukrainian authorities converse solely about warfare and use aggressive rhetoric.
“Any cease-fire is out of the question (for the Ukrainian authorities). The ban on negotiations with the Russian leadership, established by Zelensky on Sept. 30, 2022, continues to be in effect. Draw your own conclusions,” he mentioned.
Lavrov admitted that current occasions within the Middle East shifted the main target from Ukraine, nonetheless, “inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia” continues to be one of many West’s high priorities.
“The so-called Ramstein format continues to function, in which representatives of more than 50 countries discuss Kyiv’s requests for military equipment and ammunition on a monthly basis,” he mentioned, referring to conferences on the U.S. airbase in Germany.
“Neither Washington nor Brussels refuses to provide assistance to the Kyiv regime, realizing that without it, it is doomed. They are still vitally interested in holding back Russia with the hands and bodies of Ukrainians.”
The West has offered unprecedented humanitarian, financial and army help to Ukraine, the place Russia launched a “special military operation” in February 2022. The backing, nonetheless, is claimed to be waning amid inner political disputes and monetary challenges.
Turning to the problem of arms management, the minister blamed the U.S. for destroying its pillars, saying Washington both immediately violated the agreements by withdrawing from them or created circumstances that made their implementation unattainable.
“Washington’s logic is simple. The pillars that ensured the US dominance are slipping away from under their feet. Largely because of the mistakes of the Americans themselves. … In an attempt to slow down the loss of the hegemon’s position, they relied on force. Hence the pursuit of military superiority, … the refusal from restrictions in arms control,” he mentioned.
RUSSIA CONCERNED OVER ARMENIA’S TURN TO NATO
Lavrov regretted Armenia’s flip to the West, saying Yerevan is “trading a time-tested alliance with Moscow for the West’s vague promises.”
“To justify the course of a strategic U-turn, they (Armenian authorities) blame Russia for all the troubles of the republic, including the loss of Karabakh,” he emphasised.
Azerbaijan established full management over the area after launching an anti-terror operation this September.
Russian authorities persist in contemplating Armenia as a strategic companion, steadfast of their perception that, with political will, any challenges will be surmounted, Lavrov mentioned.
“Trade and financial ties and business dialogue are growing at a powerful tempo between Moscow and Yerevan. This is the inspiration for the relations between the 2 international locations, in addition to crucial help for the steadiness of the Armenian economic system and the well-being of the Armenian inhabitants.
“The rapid growth of the republic’s GDP in recent years is largely due to cooperation with Russia and Yerevan’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union,” he added.
According to Lavrov, the optimum path for Armenia to navigate the present challenges lies within the implementation of the trilateral agreements with Azerbaijan and Russia.
The minister criticized talks questioning the need of the presence of the Russian army base within the Armenian metropolis of Gyumry, stressing that for a few years the Russian army has been guaranteeing peace and stability within the area.
He additionally voiced concern over Yerevan’s growing army cooperation with NATO.
“This year, Armenia has participated in several dozen events with the alliance. It continues to modernize its armed forces according to NATO standards, and the republic’s military is being trained in a number of states of the North Atlantic Bloc,” he mentioned.
The minister warned that “the true goal of NATO is to strengthen their positions in the region, create conditions for manipulation according to the ‘divide and rule’ scheme.”
“I hope Yerevan is aware that deepening cooperation with the alliance leads to the loss of sovereignty in the field of national defense and security,” he mentioned.
Source: www.anews.com.tr