The meeting between Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers in Antalya did not advance the discussions. Russia remains stubborn about its demands for the demilitarization of Ukraine and rules out a meeting between the Russian presidents, Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian, Volodymyr Zelensky.
The head of Russian diplomacy, Sergei Lavrov, indicated on Thursday that the format of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Belarus (pro-Russian country) was the one to be favored and the one that Moscow is committed to following.
This declaration comes as a meeting of the same type has just been held in Turkey, a ground supposed to be neutral for the two parties given that Ankara is close to the two countries.
“Today’s meeting confirmed that the Russian-Ukrainian format in Belarus has no alternative,” Sergei Lavrov said after meeting his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba. The two men did not discuss the possibility of a ceasefire.
And while since the beginning of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky, asked to meet the Russian president, his requests were met with a refusal, and this time again, Sergei Lavrov evaded this question.
“We have confirmed that President Putin does not refuse a meeting with President Zelensky. Undoubtedly one day, I hope, such a necessity will arise. But for that you need preparatory work,” he said.
On the other hand, Vladimir Poutine continues to dialogue by telephone, with his European counterparts, in particular the French president, Emmanuel Macron, and the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz.
Regarding Western concerns about the possible use of nuclear weapons, the head of Russian diplomacy said he did not think there would be a nuclear war.
He also reaffirmed Russia’s basic position, “what we want is a demilitarized friendly Ukraine without any threat to Moscow and Russian culture”, he asserted, adding: “What we are looking for , (is) the disarmament of Ukraine and the elimination of the Nazis”.
Finally, Sergei Lavrov also broached the subject of the sanctions to which his country has recently been subjected, particularly concerning the energy sector.
“We have markets for our energy exports, and there will always be markets for us,” he said as the United States blocked its imports from Russia. “Uncle Sam” can never destroy our economy, assured the minister.
“We will seek never to be dependent on the West and will not use oil and gas as weapons,” he said.
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