Фото: МИД РФ
Russia does not intend to pause military operations during negotiations with Ukraine in any format. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made the statement at a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine on September 23, TASS reports.
“Having learned from bitter experience, we will not pause the ‘special military operation’ for the duration of negotiations in any format,” the agency quoted him as saying.
In his view, European countries want such a pause to give Ukraine time to replenish its military stocks.
“Although Europe wants precisely this, with the same straightforward goal of gaining a respite and replenishing the depleted military arsenals of the Kyiv regime, which, out of desperation, switched to openly terrorist methods long ago,” he said.
Ukraine has declared its readiness for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire and called on Russia to do the same. The joint statement was signed by 51 UN member states. The signatories called on Russia to end its aggression, agree to a ceasefire and fully participate in negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.
They also called for the immediate, safe and full return to Ukraine of all Ukrainian civilians who have been arbitrarily detained, forcibly transferred or deported, including children.