Key points
- Some specific elements of this deal need to be fine-tuned: Lavrov
- Says several signs that we are moving in the right direction
- Russia launched full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022
ISLAMABAD: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia is “ready” to reach an agreement with Ukraine, according to an interview with CBS News posted online Thursday.
According to AFP, US President Donald Trump “mentions a deal and we are ready to reach a deal but there are still some specific elements of this deal which need to be fine-tuned,” Lavrov said in the interview.
“There are several signs that we are moving in the right direction,” he added.
Right to attack
When asked about a new wave of strikes on Ukraine which left at least 12 dead and dozens more injured in Kyiv, Lavrov said: “We only target military goals or civilian sites used by the military.”
“If this was a target used by the Ukrainian military, the Ministry of Defence, the commanders in the field have the right to attack them,” he continued.
“Vladimir, STOP!”
Earlier Thursday, Trump issued a rare rebuke of the Kremlin via social media: “I am not happy with the Russian strikes,” Trump wrote. “Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP!”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cut short a visit to South Africa to urgently return to Kyiv after Thursday’s Russian deadly strike on the capital, according to AFP.
According to CBS News, Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, after first sending troops into eastern Ukraine in 2014. Russia has claimed its offensive invasion was provoked by Ukraine and the West, an assertion that has been rejected by the US and Europe.
