Zelensky 'peace formula' cannot be fulfilled: Lavrov
3 Min Read
Lavrov has indicated that "everyone understands" that Zelensky's formula is "absolutely not realizable".
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is seen on a giant screen as he addresses the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Saturday, on Sept. 23, 2023, at United Nations headquarters (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
According to the Russian Foreign Minister, the West sees Volodymyr Zelensky's 10-point "peace formula" as the only peace solution for Ukraine even though it is absolutely "not realizable."
During a press conference at the UN General Assembly, Lavrov indicated that "everyone understands" that Zelensky's formula is "absolutely not realizable," explaining that no one in the West wants to "seriously" show understanding for the crisis. Therefore, the diplomat noted that the issue will be "resolved on the battlefield," since this is what they wish.
He also added that Russia is ready for negotiations but will "not consider any proposals for a ceasefire," since if they do, that would mean Russia was deceived.
In regards to Armenia, Lavrov indicated that there was a powerful lobby of NGOs that were attempting to undermine Russian influence in the nation and promote the wishes of the US.
The Foreign Minister also divulged that it was Russian peacekeepers who were attempting to find a resolution and dialogue to the Nagorno-Karabakh and Baku issue.
He detailed that Russian peacekeepers were "facilitating contacts between Nagorno-Karabakh representatives and Azerbaijani officials," based on their role in confidence-building in order for the Nagorno-Karabakh people to be safe.
Lavrov to possibly visit DPRK
The Foreign Minister also revealed a possible visit to the DPRK in October, after the recent meeting of Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un.
"In accordance with what Kim Jong Un and President Putin agreed on [during the former's visit to Russia], we will build my negotiations in Pyongyang, which could actually take place next month," Lavrov revealed.
Commenting on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's (MBS) comments to Fox News regarding nuclear weapons, Lavrov explained no one wanted new nuclear powers.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman admitted that Saudi Arabia was getting closer to normalizing ties with the Israeli occupation in an interview with Fox News released on Wednesday, adding that if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, "we have to get one."
Russia 'surprised' at Guterres claims of kidnapping children
Lavrov also expressed "surprise" at statements made by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres where he claimed Russia was kidnapping children in Ukraine.
During a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine on Wednesday, Guterres accused Russia of forcefully moving Ukrainian citizens, including children, to an area under Russian control or to Russia, although he provided no solid proof.
"I think many were surprised by the secretary-general’s speech at a meeting of the Security Council, where he suddenly, unexpectedly, in addition to other statements that did not correspond to reality about what was happening in Ukraine, suddenly decided to make a very extensive passage on the topic of children — missing, kidnapped, hidden, those who are being starved and much, much more," Lavrov told reporters, adding that the UN Secretary-General should back up his comments and that Russia is waiting for evidence.
The identities and whereabouts of Ukrainian children who ended up in Russia as a result of the fighting are not hidden in Moscow, and nothing prohibits families from taking them away, according to the Minister.
