Russia Disappointed After Talks with United Kingdom

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says he is disappointed after the talks with his British counterpart Liz Truss in Moscow. At a joint press conference, he said that Russia’s security concerns had been set aside.

The United Kingdom wants Russian troops to move away from the border with Ukraine, but Russia does not want that. Lavrov reiterated that Russia could decide for itself how its military is deployed in its own country. The build-up of troops in Ukraine has raised concerns in the West about a possible invasion, something the Russians say are not planned. As a result, tensions in the region have increased.

Truss believes that Russia should de-escalate the situation by withdrawing troops because it is in a “very threatening stance”. According to her, it is not necessary to have 100,000 soldiers at the border. “If the Russians are serious about diplomacy, they should move those troops and refrain from threats.” According to the minister, the security of Russia is not undermined.

Lavrov said he presented many facts to Truss but felt they were ignored. Truss told the press conference that she had clarified the British position on the Ukraine crisis and tried to deter a Russian invasion. In the event of an incursion, the UK will impose new sanctions on Russia, just like other countries. But, according to Lavrov, the threats from the West are not helping to reduce tensions.

Several countries are holding high-level consultations this month about the crisis surrounding Ukraine. A solution is not yet in sight, although Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was open to the proposals and ideas presented by his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. What they were is not clear. The US and NATO have rejected some of Russia’s previous demands. Instead, it is about the departure of NATO troops from Eastern Europe and the promise that Ukraine will never join NATO.