In the interview, Lavrov accused the United States and Britain of delaying negotiations with Ukraine. We know for sure that “neither London nor Washington” would advise Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to speed up negotiations, he said. “They always advise Zelensky to tighten his position.”
Lavrov claimed that Kiev was delaying negotiations. Recently, for example, the Ukrainian side claimed that it had not yet had time to deal with the latest Russian proposal. There was no information from Kiev.
Lavrov also claimed that Ukraine’s positions were predetermined abroad. “Many of us are convinced that Ukraine’s real position will be determined in Washington, London and other western capitals.” That’s why “our political analysts say why talk to Zelenskyy’s team, you have to talk to the Americans, negotiate with them, come to some kind of agreement.” The Russian side has repeatedly questioned Ukraine’s independence and right to exist.