Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov harshly criticized the West's Ukraine policy, calling the demand for a ceasefire imposed as a precondition for negotiations an ultimatum. He made the remarks in an interview with TASS news agency.
Lavrov claimed that Western countries are trying to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia and partition it. He also alleged that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is constantly retreating on the battlefield and resorting to terrorist acts out of desperation.
Speaking about the West's ceasefire condition, Lavrov said: "The Westerners want a ceasefire to be achieved before negotiations. After that, they will send military forces led by France and Britain into Ukraine. Only then will they sit down at the negotiation table. This is an ultimatum."
Lavrov added that this would lead to maintaining the contact line and the continuation of the Nazi regime in Ukraine, and that the regions where referendums were held would not be recognized.
The Russian Foreign Minister noted that the US and Europe are not ready to establish a relationship with Russia based on equality and mutual respect, and that this has led to the emergence of alternative power centers such as BRICS. He emphasized Russia's determination to protect its independence and borders.
Recalling that former Russian President Boris Yeltsin resigned in 1999 and handed power to Vladimir Putin, Lavrov said: "At that time, he (Putin) was the only one who could save Russia. This is a historic turning point. This means Russia was chosen by God. When things get difficult, help comes to us from above."
Lavrov said that when Putin came to power, he was open to equal strategic partnership with the West, but now former allies are fighting Russia through Ukraine with varying degrees of madness — London more so, the US slightly less — and providing Ukraine with modern weapons. He added that the West is imposing sanctions to hinder Russia's development.
