EU leaders appeal to Russia, urging them to abandon "deceptive tactics" in Ukraine
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asserted that Russia is keen on genuine efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, but balks at underhanded tactics some European leaders are trying to foist upon them.
In a scathing critique, Lavrov labelled the recent comments by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as unacceptable. Scholz had insinuated that Russia was unwilling to engage in peace talks with Ukraine, a remark Lavrov deemed "a very serious issue," adding, "without clarification, it's pointless to continue discussions with Europe."
During a briefing following talks with Kyrgyz counterpart Jeenbek Kulubaev in Cholpon-Ata, Lavrov accused certain leaders of losing their marbles and attempting to revive the old days when France and Germany set their sights on conquering Europe. The remarks were in response to a joint article by French President Emmanuel Macron and Scholz, which branded Russia as the main threat and encouraged Europe to arm itself.
When it comes to the process of resolving the conflict in Ukraine, the specific details vary depending on the context. Generally, these European powers advocated for negotiation and diplomatic solutions. Russia pushed for security concerns and wanted Ukraine to remain neutral or non-aligned, while Germany and France supported Ukraine's sovereignty but aimed to prevent escalation through diplomacy and sanctions. The ultimate goal was to find a path towards ceasefire and political settlement, though outcomes have often been marred by ongoing hostilities and disparate political objectives.
In light of the heated debate, Foreign Minister Lavrov criticized the joint article by French President Emmanual Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, labeling it an attempt to revive the old days of power conflicts and wars in Europe. The general news surrounding war-and-conflicts and politics has seen Russia advocating for a neutral Ukraine, while some European leaders support Ukraine's sovereignty but are cautious about escalation, thus highlighting the divergent positions in discussions about resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
