Russia's Lavrov dismisses West's criticism at G20
3 Min Read
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov denounces the West's "frenzied" condemnation of the Ukraine war at the G20 summit.
-
Russia's Lavrov dismisses the West's criticism at G20.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov slammed the West's "frenzied" condemnation of the Ukraine war at a G20 conference on Friday, accusing Russia's adversaries of sabotaging a chance to address global economic challenges.
At the summit, host Indonesia encouraged the G20 to help stop the crisis in Ukraine, which put some of Russia's harshest opponents in the same room with Moscow's top diplomat. "Aggressors', 'invaders', 'occupiers' - we heard a lot of things today," Lavrov told reporters.
He said the Western debate "strayed almost immediately, as soon as they took the floor, to the frenzied criticism of the Russian Federation in connection with the situation in Ukraine."
Read more: Russia informed Indonesia about intentions to join G20 Summit
"During the discussion, Western partners avoided following the mandate of the G20, from dealing with issues of the world economy," Lavrov said.
Russia says its special military operation is aimed at damaging the Ukrainian military, driving out dangerous nationalists, and preventing the US from exploiting Ukraine to attack Russia.
Ukraine and its Western allies accuse Russia of carrying out an "imperial-style land grab." According to them, Russia has no basis for the conflict.
Russia considers that the West's attempt to isolate Moscow with the worst sanctions in modern history amounts to a declaration of economic war and that Russia will now turn to China, India, and other non-Western powers.
Lavrov stated that if the West wanted Ukraine to beat Russia, there would be nothing to discuss with the West, which he claimed was blocking Kiev from seeking a peace settlement.
Read next: China: G20 platform meant to discuss economy, not Ukraine
According to Russian official television, a move to boycott Russia at the G20 summit failed miserably, offending Indonesia. Lavrov also stated that Russia is willing to negotiate grain deals with Ukraine and Turkey, although it is unclear when such talks will take place.
Russian officials will not run after Blinken with proposals: Lavrov
Russian officials will not chase down anyone, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, with meeting proposals, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday, commenting on the potential of meeting with Blinken on the margins of the G20 ministerial conference.
"We are not the ones who cut off all contacts with the United States, and we do not run after anyone, offering meetings," Lavrov told reporters.
Export of grain from Ukraine: Lavrov
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Friday that Russia is ready to negotiate grain exports from Ukraine.
"We are ready for talks with our Ukrainian and Turkish counterparts," Lavrov said during a press conference, adding that the parties "have all the solutions."
Read next: Russia raises tax on grain export
Kiev must free its ports, demine them, or secure safe passage across minefields before Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey jointly ensure the safety of relevant ships and accompany them to the straits, according to Russia's foreign ministry. The ships will then travel to the Mediterranean Sea on their own.
