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Military operation in Ukraine

Lavrov calls discussion of peaceful settlement based on Zelensky's formula 'waste of time'

"We confirmed that we continue to welcome the various initiatives that the countries of the Global South have put forward," the top diplomat noted

MOSCOW, April 4. /TASS/. Discussing the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict on the basis of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's 'peace formula' is a senseless waste of time and intellect, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters.

"This [peaceful settlement in Ukraine] should be on an equal basis, when everyone comes and presents their legitimate interests, and if the West, especially the United States, which is there, across the ocean, says 'no, no, no, no, only the 'peace formula,' this is a pointless waste of time and intellect, if anyone there has anything left," Lavrov said after a meeting with heads of foreign diplomatic missions in Moscow.

"We confirmed that we continue to welcome the various initiatives that the countries of the Global South have put forward," the top diplomat added.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, speaking via videoconference on the G20 summit in mid-November 2022, presented a so-called ten-point peace plan that does not take into account Moscow's position. In particular, it calls for the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from the 1991 borders and the return of control over the "exclusive economic zone" in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov to Ukraine. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Kiev's statements about a peaceful settlement were made without taking into account the existing realities. Moscow sees no progress in the peace process, so it continues the special military operation, he said.

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Foreign policy Sergey Lavrov Military operation in Ukraine

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