LONDON –
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Tuesday that Moscow was open to talks with the West on the Ukraine warfare however had but to obtain any critical proposal to negotiate.
In an interview on state TV, Lavrov stated Russia was prepared to have interaction with the United States or with Turkey on methods to finish the warfare, now in its eight month.
His emphasis on Russia’s receptiveness to talks got here after a collection of stinging defeats because the begin of September which have swung the momentum of the battle in favour of Ukraine.
Lavrov stated officers together with White House nationwide safety spokesman John Kirby had stated the United States was open to talks however that Russia had refused.
“This is a lie,” Lavrov stated. “We haven’t obtained any critical provides to make contact.”
He additionally stated Russia wouldn’t flip down a gathering between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden at a mid-November summit of the Group of 20 in Indonesia, and would contemplate the proposal if it receives one.
“We have repeatedly stated that we by no means refuse conferences. If there’s a proposal, then we’ll contemplate it,” Lavrov stated.
Commenting on the likelihood that Turkey might host talks between Russia and the West, Lavrov stated Moscow can be prepared to hear to any solutions however couldn’t say prematurely whether or not this may lead to outcomes.
He stated Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan would have a possibility to put proposals to Russian President Vladimir Putin when each go to Kazakhstan this week.
Lavrov famous that direct talks between Russia and Ukraine had damaged down on the finish of March. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dominated out speaking to Putin after Russia claimed the annexation final month of 4 Ukrainian areas that it partly occupies.
(Reporting by Reuters; enhancing by Guy Faulconbridge)