Lavrov: The recent changes in the Ukrainian government are not important

According to RCO News Agency, in the past few days, there was a wave of extensive changes among the officials of the Ukrainian government, which caused many ministers and deputy prime ministers to leave and change their positions. The most significant of these changes was the resignation of “Dmytro Kulba”, the former foreign minister, and the replacement of “Andrei Sibiha” as the new foreign minister on Zelensky’s recommendation.

The insignificance of recent changes in Ukraine

“Sergei Lavrov”, the Russian Foreign Minister, emphasized in an interview that the recent changes among Ukrainian officials are not very important in his opinion, and he does not expect much from the new cabinet in Kiev.

Lavrov said in an interview with “RBC” channel: “There is little possibility to have expectations from recent developments among Ukrainian leaders. It was not only Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kulba who resigned. Seven or eight other people resigned, including the deputy prime ministers and the heads of several other institutions. A dispute has arisen inside the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament of Ukraine) and I am not very interested in this matter.

In the continuation of this interview, Lavrov emphasized that Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, is still not willing to conduct honest negotiations.

The Russian Foreign Minister said: “I am not very interested in these events. Zelensky is not willing to have honest negotiations. “The West will not allow him to conduct such negotiations.”

China has not pressured Russia

In the continuation of this interview, Lavrov stated that China does not seek to force and pressure Russia in any way for peace with Ukraine.

Pointing out that China will definitely reduce its dependence on Western financial systems, the Russian Foreign Minister said: “They are doing this process slowly and gradually. This is their way and mentality. They are not looking for any sudden actions. We are discussing this issue with our Chinese colleagues. They have a well-developed banking system that is deeply connected to global financial markets.

Asked if China is trying to force Russia to make peace with Ukraine, Lavrov said: “Absolutely not.” These are the words of those who want Russia to agree to the ultimatum of the so-called Zelensky peace formula. This is not serious.”

The principles of Istanbul negotiations are still valid

Lavrov also stated that Russia is ready to return to the principles of the Istanbul negotiations on the resolution of the Ukraine war, but at the same time taking into account the new realities.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia recalled that the previous peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in 2022, during which several rounds of meetings between delegations of the parties were held in Belarus and finally in Istanbul, led to agreements on the principles that the Ukrainians put forward.

“These principles are still valid today,” he said. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said that if the Ukrainians want negotiations, at least Zelensky should first cancel the decree that banned such negotiations.

According to Lavrov, the principles agreed in Istanbul ensured that Ukraine would not join the NATO alliance, maintain its non-aligned status, and provide security guarantees for Ukraine.

He added: “Such principles are still valid.” At least we are ready to return to them, but naturally, new realities must be considered.”

BRICS has not banned the membership of NATO members

In another part of his interview, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia pointed to the prospect of Turkey approaching as a member of the NATO alliance and a candidate for membership in the European Union, stating that this legal economic organization prohibits the membership of other organizations. It does not have

Earlier, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said that Turkey has officially applied to join BRICS and confirmed that member countries of the group will consider the proposal.

According to Ushakov, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accepted the Kremlin’s invitation to participate in the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, which is scheduled to be held on October 22-24. Russia currently heads this organization.

Lavrov said in his interview on the sidelines of the “Eastern Economic Forum” meeting in Vladivostok: “Turkey has been a member of NATO for almost 70 years and has become a candidate for membership in the European Union, but BRICS does not have a law that regulates the relations of members of some organizations with Ban this block.”

The BRICS organization currently consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

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