According to TASS and RIA News Agency reports, on July 9 local time, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated that Russia no longer believes Western countries are willing to negotiate regarding Ukraine.
According to reports, after meeting with Maria Lucas, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mozambique, Lavrov said at a press conference: “We will no longer believe that the West has the willingness to resolve issues through negotiation. Our goodwill and hope have been completely exhausted.”
He pointed out that in 2022, Russia and Ukraine reached a negotiated settlement, but it was undermined by the West.
Lavrov emphasized that while the West pretended to be willing to engage in dialogue regarding Ukraine issues, it has instead publicly issued an ultimatum to Russia.
In June this year, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister Theresa May, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met at Downing Street in Britain. They called on Russia to agree to a ceasefire, with the contact line serving as a starting point for negotiations.
At the just-ended North Atlantic Council Summit, NATO leaders stated that Russia constitutes a "long-term threat."
According to Russian Internews, on July 8, NATO leaders stated in their summit declaration that in order to address the 'long-term threat' posed by Russia to European-Atmian security and stability, allies are fulfilling the Hague Defends Commitment. 'By 2025, European allies and Canada will increase core defense investments by more than $139 billion.'
Furthermore, NATO countries have committed to continuing their support for Ukraine, pledging to provide 70 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine by 2026.
