MFA considers Lavrov’s statement about talks regarding Ukraine as another smokescreen

The relevant statement was made by Spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry Oleg Nikolenko on Facebook, commenting on Sergey Lavrov’s declaration that Russia is ready to discuss realistic proposals regarding Ukraine with the West, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“The only realistic proposal should be Russia’s immediate cessation of the war against Ukraine and the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine beyond the borders of 1991,” Nikolenko wrote.

According to the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry, someone who really wants to start talks does not destroy the country’s energy system to make its population freeze in winter, does not engage in mass killings of civilians, does not shell residential areas, does not announce the mobilization of additional 300,000 troops, does not block grain exports, and does not issue ultimatums.

“Lavrov’s statement about readiness for talks is nothing but another smokescreen to buy time against the backdrop of the defeats of the Russian army. As long as Russia continues to commit crimes in Ukraine, there must be the only answer: on the battlefield,” Nikolenko stressed.

In his words, the Ukrainian side is grateful to international partners who stand side by side with Ukraine in its struggle for existence.

“Only with joint determined efforts, it is possible to stop Russia, which poses a threat to the peace and security not only of Europe but also of the world,” Nikolenko added.

A reminder that, according to the mass media, the Kremlin considers talks with the West regarding Ukraine. On October 30, 2022, Lavrov noted Russia would agree to hold talks in case of ‘realistic proposals’.

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