Lavrov says Ukraine’s vitality system is a legit goal.

Mr. Lavrov repeated acquainted Russian speaking factors, accusing the United States and Europe of being “directly involved” within the Ukraine battle, which, he mentioned, was sparked by NATO’s growth in Eastern Europe and Western meddling in Ukraine’s affairs.

He additionally dismissed as “laughable” the concept that Moscow is making an attempt to interact Kyiv in cease-fire negotiations as a method to purchase time and replenish its forces amid setbacks on the battlefield. Ukraine’s overseas minister, Dmitry Kuleba, has warned {that a} cease-fire would enable Russia’s “depleted invasion forces to take a break before returning for further aggression.”

“We have never asked for any negotiations,” mentioned Mr. Lavrov. “But we have always said that if someone is interested in finding a negotiated solution, we are ready to listen.”

Mr. Lavrov additionally accused NATO of stirring up tensions elsewhere on this planet, together with with China, and of making an attempt to tug India into what he known as “an anti-Russian and anti-Chinese alliance.”