Lavrov labels Swiss-hosted Ukraine talks as 'parody'
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The top diplomat pointed out to the lack of viable interlocutors and suggested that the Copenhagen format has reached a deadlock.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks during a joint press conference with Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda in Moscow, Russia, Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Sunday that neither Ukrainian nor Western politicians are prepared for substantial negotiations with Moscow, characterizing the forthcoming Swiss-hosted conference on Ukraine as a "mockery of negotiations".
"We have nobody to talk to. I cited some statements by Ukrainian, US, and European leadership, the political class. None of them are ready for a serious conversation. They are 'playing' a parody of negotiations by having a meeting in Switzerland. The Copenhagen format is completely dead-ended," Lavrov told Bosnian broadcaster ATV.
In April, the Swiss government announced plans to host a two-day high-level conference in June aimed at achieving peace in Ukraine, despite Russia's decision not to participate.
The conference, scheduled for June 15-16 at the Bürgenstock resort in the canton of Nidwalden, will seek to establish a conducive framework for lasting peace in Ukraine and develop a concrete roadmap for Russia's involvement in the peace process.
While Moscow has expressed openness to negotiations to end the conflict, it refuses to participate in talks hosted by Switzerland, citing neutrality concerns.
Despite Russia's absence, Switzerland has garnered sufficient international support for the initiative, including potential participation from China, a key ally of Moscow.
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