Lavrov reiterated Russian President Vladimir Putin's additional demands, which include the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, and recognition of these territories as part of Russia.
Putin's demands also call for Ukraine to solidify its status as a non-aligned, nuclear-free state, along with its "demilitarization and denazification," Lavrov added.
"Kyiv responded to this statement with a military invasion of the Kursk region on August 6," Lavrov said, accusing Ukraine’s Western allies, particularly the United States and NATO countries, of seeking to deliver a strategic defeat to Russia. "Under these circumstances, we have no choice but to continue our special operation until the threats posed by Ukraine are eliminated," he explained.
Lavrov described the war as a defense of Russia’s people and vital security interests, asserting that peace is not part of Ukraine’s plans. "President Zelensky has not rescinded his decree banning negotiations with Moscow," he said, blaming Washington and NATO allies for providing Kyiv with political, military, and financial support to sustain the conflict.
The Russian foreign minister also highlighted ongoing discussions regarding Ukraine's use of Western-supplied long-range missiles on Russian territory, warning that "playing with fire can lead to dangerous consequences."
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Source: The Moscow Times, Newsweek