Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the sharp shift in Europe's stance on Ukraine talks raises questions about the motives behind these statements.
In his article titled 'Ukraine, Europe and Global Security,' Lavrov recalled the recent outbursts of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. He noted that Kallas argues dialogue with Russia is necessary to convey Europe's conditions to Moscow.
According to Lavrov, these conditions include payment of 'compensation' to Ukraine, withdrawal of Russian troops from Transnistria and the Caucasus, repeal of the 'foreign agents' law, and setting a maximum personnel limit for the Russian Armed Forces.
The Russian minister claimed that Europe is using the Ukraine talks to keep the Kyiv administration afloat and wants to see this structure as a forward outpost against Russia.
Lavrov also argued that Europe is trying to buy time to prepare for a possible conflict with Russia by 2030. In this context, he referred to the Belgian chief of staff's remark that the blood spilled by Ukrainians is buying time for Europe.
Lavrov stated that European leaders must understand that a return to the past security model is no longer possible. He also said that Moscow sees Europe as a party interested in Russia's defeat and will not engage in dialogue with Brussels by treating it as a neutral observer.
The Russian Foreign Ministry reported that the article was originally planned to be published in the Europe-based Politico Europe, but the publication was canceled at the last moment by an editorial decision.