Reiterating that the Kremlin’s position on the war remains unchanged, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that the West must understand that Russian armed forces maintain “strategic initiative” on the Ukraine front. The head of Russian diplomacy also referenced the United States, claiming that Washington supports proposals for conducting new elections in Ukraine. As he characteristically stated, “the American administration leads active and targeted mediation efforts,” referring to telephone communications between Washington and Moscow.
In an interview with Russian state news agency RIA, Sergei Lavrov emphasized that “our fundamental principle has not changed” and added that “the strategic initiative belongs entirely to the Russian army and the West understands this“.
Lavrov: Our contacts with Russia are not limited exclusively to the Ukrainian issue
In the same context, Lavrov stressed that the two largest nuclear powers on the planet jointly bear responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, implying that bilateral contacts are not limited exclusively to the Ukrainian issue.
Meanwhile, he noted that Moscow continues to await an official response from the US to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to “freeze” the limits of the New START nuclear arms control treaty.
However, the Russian Foreign Minister kept a low tone, noting that “we should not rush“.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier emphasized the denial of the attack from Ukraine’s side – and stated that Western media are siding with Kiev. “Our army knows how and when to react,” he conveyed.
“It was a terrorist attack by Kiev aimed at collapsing peace negotiations. The Ukrainian attack will harden Russia’s position in negotiations,” claimed the Russian presidency spokesman, stating that the attack aimed to derail negotiations. Peskov refused to declare where Putin was at the time of the attack, saying that in light of recent events such details should not be made public.
Peskov was asked if evidence of the Ukrainian attack would be presented, stating that “this is a decision for our military.” He noted: “We see that Zelensky is trying to deny the attack, and Western media are playing Ukraine’s game.”
Medvedev attacks Zelensky
Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev stated that Volodymyr Zelensky should hide for the rest of his life after the Ukrainian drone attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence.
Medvedev attacked – via a post on X – Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him “Kiev’s bastard“, who should “hide for the rest of his worthless life“.
“Kiev’s filthy bastard is trying to undermine the resolution of the conflict. He wants war. Well, now at least he should stay hidden for the rest of his worthless life“ Medvedev characteristically wrote.
