Ceasefire Alone Insufficient for Lasting Peace in Ukraine, Says Russia’s Lavrov
Russian Foreign Minister Emphasizes Need to Address Security Concerns and Root Causes
Russia, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that a mere ceasefire or pause in hostilities will not be enough to achieve a durable solution to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. In an article for The International Affairs magazine, Lavrov expressed gratitude to Vietnam for its balanced stance on the conflict but stressed that lasting peace requires addressing the underlying issues fueling the war.
Lavrov highlighted that the root causes of the conflict must be removed for any meaningful resolution. He pointed specifically to the security threats Russia perceives from NATO’s eastward expansion and efforts to draw Ukraine into the alliance, arguing that these concerns should be prioritized in any peace process.
Additionally, Lavrov underscored the importance of ensuring full respect for human rights in territories controlled by the Ukrainian government. He accused the Kiev administration, following the 2014 change of power, of attempting to eradicate Russian language, culture, traditions, and media, as well as canonical Orthodoxy.
Lavrov’s remarks suggest that, from Russia’s perspective, a sustainable peace in Ukraine will require not only a cessation of fighting but also significant political and security guarantees, as well as protections for Russian cultural and linguistic identity in the region.(PW)
Source: IRNA