Lavrov recalled that the Russian government’s demands coincide with Ukraine’s 1991 principles of independence. “Regarding NATO membership, I recall that Ukraine’s neutral, non-nuclear, and non-bloc status was solemnly proclaimed in Ukraine’s declaration of independence in 1991. Precisely these commitments made it possible for Russia and the rest of the international community to recognize Ukraine as an independent state,” he said.

Lavrov insisted that the return to these promises is one of Russia’s key demands that must be met within any negotiation process. He added that this point was also planned for the April 2022 talks in Istanbul, Turkey.

The foreign minister explained that a new round of negotiations between Moscow and Kiev will be announced soon to continue analyzing ways to resolve the conflict. “During the negotiations on May 16 in Istanbul, we insisted on the abolition of all discriminatory laws, and we will continue to do so in the next round of direct talks, which we will announce very soon,” he emphasized.

Lavrov added that the Russian government had long been prepared to negotiate with Kiev; however, Ukraine repeatedly refused and yielded to the pressure imposed by European leaders.

On May 16th, the Russian and Ukrainian delegations resumed direct talks in Istanbul for the first time in more than three years. At the meeting, the parties agreed to a massive prisoner exchange under the “thousand for thousand” formula, which was completed in three successive rounds between the 23rd and the 25th of May.

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