Peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine appear increasingly likely less than a month before new US President Donald Trump takes office, and given the Ukrainian military’s problems on the front lines. A few days ago, the Kremlin again showed its willingness to negotiate. On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov explained how Moscow envisions a “lasting peace.”
The Foreign Minister made it clear that a “weak ceasefire” was not excluded. His country wants a binding agreement for a lasting peace that guarantees the security of Russia and its neighbors. “A ceasefire is a road to nowhere,” Lavrov said at a news conference in Moscow. The West would only use a weak ceasefire to rearm Ukraine.
In this context, the 74-year-old chief diplomat brought into play the “legitimate security interests” of the Russians: “We need definitive legal agreements that create all conditions for ensuring the security of the Russian Federation and, of course, the legitimate security interests of our neighbors.” Russia wants the documents to be worded in such a way that a violation of these agreements is impossible.
Sensitive accusation against France
Lavrov also suggested that France had sought “dialogue on the Ukrainian issue,” bypassing Kiev. “I will not go into details so as not to disappoint anyone, but our French colleagues have called several times through confidential channels,” the Foreign Minister explained. “Let’s help, let’s start a dialogue on the Ukrainian issue,” it said. “By the way, without Ukraine,” Lavrov added. The request contradicted the West’s continued assurances, which repeatedly emphasized: “Not a word about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
There has been no response from Paris to Lavrov’s comments so far. France and other European countries have recently raised the possibility of having European troops monitor compliance with a possible ceasefire between Kiev and Moscow.
No Christmas peace
There was also no Christmas truce at the front this time. On Thursday, Russia and Ukraine again accused each other of mutual drone attacks. The Ukrainian army said on Thursday evening that it had destroyed twenty of a total of 31 Russian drones. Another power line was damaged in a Ukrainian drone attack on Russia’s Belgorod region in the border area. Several small towns were without electricity. Ukraine was also hit by power outages.
On Wednesday, the Russian army launched a massive attack on Ukraine’s energy supplies. According to Ukrainian information, 59 of 78 Russian missiles and 54 of 102 drones were intercepted. However, serious Russian attacks caused power outages in several regions of Ukraine.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
