The Foreign Minister of Russia, Serguéi Lavrovtoday described the deployment of troops from European countries in Ukrainearguing that all of them are members of the NATO.
“The appearance of forces from the same countries of the NATO Under another flag, either national or European Unionnothing changes. That is still unacceptable“, said Lavrov at a press conference broadcast on Russian public television after the negotiations held with representatives of USA In the Saudi capital, Riad.
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The possible site of peace troops in Ukraine was approached on Monday in Paris by European leaders.
Lavrov He stressed that today he explained to his interlocutors that, like the Russian president, Vladimir Putinhe said on numerous occasions, “The assimilation of Ukraine at the hands of the Atlantic Alliance It is a direct threat to the interests of the Russian Federationa direct threat to our sovereignty. ”
On the other hand, he considered that today’s conversation had been “Very useful”And, in fact, he said that “The American part has begun to better understand our position.”
“Not only have we heard, but we have heard each other”He said.
Lavrov He also stressed that “There was great interest (on the part of USA), that we share, in resuming consultations on geopolitical issues, including various conflicts in various parts of the world, where so much Russia as USA They have political interests. ”
“We saw the total determination, the concrete attitude of our American colleagues to advance actively, As the presidents have ordered And we will also do it ”, pointed out.
The Russian minister stressed that both countries expressed interest in withdrawing “Artificial barriers” that obstruct mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
In addition, he added: “Today our American colleagues said that perhaps some type of moratorium should be introduced about attacks on energy facilities.” by both sides in Ukraine.
The talkswhich started at 10.30 local time (07.30 GMT) extended for about four and a half hours.
Russian, the delegation was made up of Lavrov; Yuri UshakovAdvisor of Kremlinand Kiril DMítrievDirector of the Russian Sovereign Fund.
Meanwhile, the US was represented by the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio; The National Security Advisor Mike Waltzand the American special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
This is the first meeting between a Russian Foreign Minister and a secretary of US state Since the one held in January 2022, a month before the start of the war, between Lavrov and his counterpart Antony Blinken.
The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyhe said he will not accept any agreement on his country regardless of kyiv and back of its European allies.
