New Delhi: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Sunday said that his country is not against negotiations to end the Ukraine conflict but these should take into account “the realities on the ground” and also the reasons accumulating due to “NATO's aggressive policy”.
Replying to a query, Lavrov said about 18 months ago they agreed to sign a treaty about settling the conflict and documents were also initialled and accused the West of creating impediments.
"...Everyone wants peace...About 18 months ago we agreed to sign a treaty about settling this conflict. We even initialled these documents. After that, the Anglo-Saxons ordered (Ukraine President) Zelenskyy not to sign it because they thought they would be able to reap some confessions from us…,” Lavrov said.
“President Putin has recently said that we do not mind negotiations however any such negotiations need to consider the realities on the ground and take into account the reasons that have been accumulating for decades upon decades due to NATO's aggressive policy...Right now the Ukrainian officials are threatening to physically destroy Russians...," he added.
He was asked if there can be the beginning of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine started in February last year.
Lavrov, who addressed a press conference after the conclusion of G20 Summit, described it as a milestone.
He said a healthy solution has been found in the declaration regarding the need to strive for a clear and equitable balance of interest.
"It is a long way to go but this Summit has been a milestone... I would also like to mention the active role of the Indian presidency that has genuinely consolidated the G20 countries from the Global South for the first time in history. Our BRICS partners- Brazil, India, China, South Africa have been particularly active and thanks to these consolidated positions taken by the Global South countries to uphold and protect their legitimate interests,” he said.
"We will unite in our endeavour to address the adverse impact of the war on the global economy and welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine that will uphold all the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter for the promotion of peaceful, friendly, and good neighbourly relations among nations in the spirit of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’” it said.
“Today’s era must not be of war,” the declaration added. (ANI)
