Moscow, May 18 – In a press conference on Thursday following talks with his Ugandan counterpart Jeje Odongo, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the United States, stating that they are not prepared to take any constructive actions regarding the settlement of the situation in Ukraine, both presently and in the foreseeable future.
Lavrov emphasized that the United States was responsible for creating the conditions that led to the situation in Ukraine, attributing it to their strategic course of opposing the formation of a multipolar world, maintaining their hegemony, and subjugating others to their will. He accused the US of using Ukraine as a compliant instrument within this framework.
The remarks from Lavrov came in response to a recent statement by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who revealed that Russian and Ukrainian authorities had agreed to welcome an African delegation to explore peaceful resolutions to the conflict. President Ramaphosa spoke on behalf of six African nations, including Egypt, Zambia, the Republic of Congo, Senegal, Uganda, and South Africa.
In reaction to the South African initiative, John Kirby, the White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, stated that the United States would be prepared to support any initiative for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, as long as it was first backed by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has been a source of tension between Russia and the United States for several years. The situation has resulted in numerous diplomatic exchanges and efforts to find a peaceful resolution. However, Lavrov’s comments suggest that there is currently a significant lack of trust between the two countries, with Russia questioning the US’s commitment to a constructive approach.
The international community continues to monitor the situation in Ukraine closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. As tensions persist, it remains to be seen whether diplomatic efforts will lead to a breakthrough and pave the way for a lasting settlement.
