Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, on Friday, October 30 (November 8), during his press conference on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting in Atlanta, USA, clearly outlined Moscow's positions regarding Ukraine and relations with the United States.
Moscow's Conditions for a Meeting between Putin and Zelensky
In this meeting, Lavrov referred to the possibility of a meeting between Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, and Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, stating: "Putin has announced that if [Zelensky] wants to meet, he must come to Moscow. We guarantee his security; a matter that, in my opinion, cannot be guaranteed in Kyiv." Lavrov's remarks reflect Moscow's stance on this crisis and the country's readiness to establish dialogue, although it also sets specific conditions for this.
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He also criticized Zelensky's behavior towards Moscow, adding: "Zelensky, by constantly raising the issue of attacks on Russia and seeking more long-range weapons, is not actually helping to prepare for negotiations." Lavrov further clarified: "Moscow's position on readiness for a meeting in Abu Dhabi is clear, but it is uncertain what Ukraine will bring to the negotiating table."
Date of the Tripartite Meeting and Russia-US Relations
The Russian Foreign Minister mentioned that the exact date for a potential tripartite meeting between Russia, the US, and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi would be announced after finalization. Meanwhile, Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Kremlin, and Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, have suggested mid-November for this meeting.
Lavrov also referred to Russia-US relations following the US midterm elections, stating: "Moscow does not engage in predictions and acts based on realities." He emphasized that after the formation of the new Congress and Washington moving beyond statements, Moscow will adjust its relations based on specific actions.
During this meeting, Lavrov recalled his conversation with Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, describing it as "good but brief." The topics discussed in this conversation included bilateral relations and cooperation in the UN and G20.
The Russian Foreign Minister also warned about the diesel agreement with the US, stating that this agreement should not create illusions and said: "We have never politicized the economic sphere. Therefore, if it is mutually beneficial, we will always support such proposals. But the enthusiastic cries of some of our political analysts and experts that the diesel agreement has broken the blockade... well, we need to look at it rationally and not harbor any illusions."
In conclusion, Lavrov referred to the issue of restoring Russian diplomatic premises in the US, stating that no progress has been made and expert contacts continue. He also emphasized that Tokyo must abandon its unfriendly policy to resume full intergovernmental dialogue with Moscow.
The G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting will be held on October 30 and 31 in Atlanta, and Lavrov heads the Russian delegation.
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