Top Russian diplomat asks Putin for more time for Ukraine talks

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday suggested to President Vladimir Putin that Moscow remain on the diplomatic path in its efforts to extract security guarantees from the West as tensions mount over Ukraine.

Lavrov told Putin that the United States had come up with concrete proposals to reduce military risks, but said the responses from the European Union and the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) military alliance had not been satisfactory.

In a televised conversation, Putin was shown asking Lavrov if there was a chance of reaching an agreement to resolve Russia’s security concerns, or if he was just being dragged into tortuous negotiations.

Lavrov replied: “We have warned more than once that we will not allow endless negotiations on issues that require a solution today.”

But as foreign minister, he said: “I must say there are always chances.”

He added: “It seems to me that our possibilities are far from exhausted. […] At this stage, I suggest going ahead and building them.”

The comments appeared to signal a reduced likelihood of imminent Russian military action after repeated warnings from the United States that Russia could attack Ukraine at any time.

Moscow, which has assembled more than 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, has repeatedly denied any invasion plans and accused the United States and its allies of hysteria.

Lavrov said he had received “unsatisfactory” responses to a letter he sent to dozens of EU and NATO members on the issue of “indivisible security” – a reference to Russia’s complaint that Ukraine and Western countries are strengthening their security at times. at Russia’s expense, and that this violates international agreements.

“I received unsatisfactory responses, none of my fellow ministers responded to my direct message,” he said. “Therefore, we will continue to seek a concrete reaction from each country.”