MOSCOW, June 24. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has criticized European politicians' claims that a resolution to the Ukraine conflict hinges on Europe's involvement and that Russia is deliberately stalling negotiations. Speaking at the Primakov Readings international expert forum, Lavrov dismissed such assertions as neither serious nor sufficient.
"What are they really aiming to discuss?" he questioned. "Are they proposing that Russia capitulate? Such notions are utterly unserious and fail to reflect Europe's true role and influence in global affairs."
Lavrov emphasized that such behavior by representatives of the Old World "demonstrates that the neocolonial mentality and neocolonial ambitions are still very much alive and driving many of Europe's initiatives and positions."
Lavrov cited French President Emmanuel Macron's statement following the G7 meeting and the European Council summit, in particular, his call for continued military and other aid to Ukraine while simultaneously increasing pressure on Russia, awaiting a signal from Moscow of its readiness to negotiate, taking into account the numerous proposals allegedly made to Russia recently. Lavrov recalled that European Council President Antonio Costa also expressed similar sentiments, stating that the European Union is not discussing negotiations with Russia, but rather building up pressure on Moscow, and that the EU should have a seat at the negotiating table, even though it cannot be considered a mediator, since it is entirely on Ukraine's side.
"Is this serious?" Lavrov concluded succinctly.