Moscow, Feb 12 (.) Making his address at the State Duma, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov outlined the country’s position on both the Ukraine settlement, and the New START agreement with the US, as well as the diplomatic communications between Moscow and Washington, outlining spheres of cooperation and a moratorium for the stalled treaty.
Speaking on the moratorium concerning the limits defined by the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), the Russian diplomat noted that they would persist as long as the US did not exceed them, reports TASS.
Noting that Washington currently has yet to give an “official response” to the country’s initiative for both parties to continue observing the quantitative limitations defined by New START, he added that the Kremlin “has reasons to believe” that the US is in no rush to depart from the New START limitations.
Outlining Moscow’s position on the matter, he noted it will be largely one of patient observation, adding that it will continue to “actively work on a new agreement” on strategic stability, provided Washington’s constructive approach proves to be true.
Regarding diplomatic communications with Washington, Lavrov noted that bilateral relations between the two nations have improved significantly, adding that Moscow considers Washington “as a potential partner and, if you will, a companion to a certain extent.”
However, he also underscored this positive development with cautious optimism, and scepticism, as Moscow is yet to see the practical results of dialogue regarding prospects of cooperation with Washington.
Lavrov noted that Russia expects that its dialogue with the US to “lead to something big,” particular in terms of economic projects, adding that strategic dialogue between Moscow and Washington “is long overdue,” and Russia expects the US to show readiness to launch the process. “We are always open for this kind of dialogue,” he said.
Highlighting Russia’s position on the Ukraine settlement, he said that Moscow will continue to “defend the truth and the right of Crimea, Donbass and Novorossiya to decide their future in unity with Russia.”
Russian forces are currently in a significantly advantageous position, possessing over 20-25% of Ukrainian territory, which includes the territories of Novorossiya, and Donbass, while it has been in possession of Crimea since 2014, though its claims have largely been unrecognised by the global community.
With the Russian demands for settlement being cessation of the captured territories from Ukraine and their formal integration into Russia, including the international recognition of Crimea as being an official part of the Russian Federation, the issue of settlement has been a difficult one, due to Kyiv’s staunch refusal to cede its territories, and Moscow’s adamant refusal to compromise on its demands.
As such, Lavrov noted that the understandings reached during last year’s Anchorage dialogue between US President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin are “still on the table,” underscoring prospects for further dialogue and cooperation on both Kyiv and wider bilateral issues.
He further extended gratitude to North Korea’s aid in dispelling Ukrainian fighters from Kursk, and the UAE in its mediation efforts, adding that Russian negotiators will to continue their work to “protect the country’s security and the rights of ethnic Russians, and make sure that the threat coming from the current Kiev regime and its external sponsors is eliminated.”
Slamming the UNSC for its refusal to recognise Donbass as Russian territory, Lavrov stated that “no greater shame for the UN can be imagined” than Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ denial of Donbass’ right to self-determination.
. . PRS