Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is trying to gain time to rearm with his calls for a ceasefire, adding: “I don’t think he deserves such a chance to catch his breath.”
elchi reports that Lavrov was answering journalists’ questions at a joint press conference held after his meeting with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdulla Bu Habib in Moscow.
Answering a question about the veracity of US President Donald Trump’s statement regarding an agreement to stop attacks on Ukraine’s and Russia’s energy infrastructure, Lavrov noted that President Zelensky’s reaction to the status of this agreement could be cited.
Lavrov said: “When the same question was asked to him [Zelensky], he said he was unaware of such an agreement and would welcome certain clarifications on the matter.”
“Ceasefire rhetoric has replaced the slogan of Russia’s strategic defeat”
Reminding that Zelensky has repeatedly talked about a ceasefire, Lavrov said: “In recent months, this ‘ceasefire’ slogan has replaced the slogan of Russia’s strategic defeat in the rhetoric of both Zelensky and his masters in the West. The goal is one and very simple: to try to gain time to get a chance to catch their breath.”
Lavrov claimed that if Ukraine were given the two months it wanted for elections, it would regroup its forces, and Europe would equip Kyiv with new weapons. Stating that Zelensky’s “feigned surprise” in his reaction to Trump’s words revealed only one thing, Lavrov said: “I don’t think he deserves such a break. I also don’t think we will be fooled by guarantees and promises again.”
“Russia has no obligation to report to anyone”
Emphasizing that Russia will continue to pursue the “goals of its special military operation” in Ukraine, Lavrov noted that these goals are well known to everyone. Stating that unlike Zelensky and his European masters, who zigzag and constantly change direction, they have never changed these goals, Lavrov said: “Therefore, we have no obligation to defend ourselves or answer to anyone on any issue.”
“The solution requires the creation of a Palestinian State”
In response to a question about Lebanon continuing to face Israeli aggression and occupation, and what steps Moscow could take on this issue, Lavrov noted that Israel’s actions are in direct contradiction to both existing UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and the goals set by US mediators.
Emphasizing their clear support for Lebanon, Lavrov stated: “We are in favor of ensuring Israel’s security within the framework of a comprehensive settlement of all Middle East issues, based on full normalization of relations with its Arab neighbors and UNSC resolutions. Of course, this requires the creation of a Palestinian State.” …used expressions…
Lavrov: I don’t think Zelensky deserves a break
