Tensions in Europe over the possibility of Russia invading Ukraine in the immediate term continue to occupy the West even today • Lavrov to Putin: “There is always a chance for an agreement, and I propose to continue our diplomatic work”
Hope to prevent Russian invasion of Ukraine? Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told President Vladimir Putin on Monday afternoon that he was proposing to continue for the time being in security talks with the West and stick to the diplomatic path.
According to reports in Russia, in a conversation between Putin and Lavrov, the Russian president asked his foreign minister if there was any point in continuing diplomatic efforts. The minister replied that the possibility of talks was still far from exhausted and therefore he suggested that he continue the discussions.
“We can not continue the talks forever, but I propose to continue them at this stage,” Lavrov told Putin. “There is always a chance for an agreement, and I suggest continuing our diplomatic work.”
Lavrov reiterated this afternoon that Putin’s answers from the EU and NATO on the security arrangements he had offered them were unsatisfactory.
Although the Russians have shown signs that they will be ready to “get off the tree”, the West fears that Russia will eventually invade Ukraine. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said Moscow is “planning something in the next 48 hours”.
Johnson’s remarks come at a time when the United States and its allies are leading diplomatic efforts in an attempt to defuse the great tension in Europe, which Western sources say is “the closest thing to a war in the last 70 years.” And Biden with Johnson.
British Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Trass also met in Moscow today with her colleague Sergei Lavrov and expressed concern about Russia’s intentions, which she said “could invade at any moment”. In a media statement she said: “I came here to convey a very clear message that Russia is the aggressor here. It has 100,000 troops on the border with Ukraine, and their invasion will have a negative impact on the Russian people and the Russian government.” She added that “the Russians did not like what I had to say to them – but I told them anyway”.