‘West blocking peace efforts’: Russian FM Sergei Lavrov defends Ukraine invasion; denies civilian targeting

Russian international minister Sergey Lavrov, in a uncommon English-language interview with US community NBC, has defended Moscow’s actions in Ukraine, denying that Russian forces have focused civilians and accusing the West of obstructing peace.Speaking on Meet the Press in a pre-taped distant interview aired Sunday, Lavrov refused to label Russia’s navy actions as an “invasion” and as an alternative accused Kyiv of mistreating ethnic Russians in key border areas.“We want peace in Ukraine. He wants, President Trump wants, peace in Ukraine,” Lavrov mentioned, including that latest European diplomatic exercise confirmed “they don’t want peace.”Lavrov dismissed allegations of Russian assaults on hospitals, colleges, and civilian-owned factories, together with American-linked amenities, as incorrect. Ukraine and its Western allies have labelled many of those strikes as attainable struggle crimes.His feedback mirror Moscow’s continued hardline stance, even because the Trump administration works to barter a decision to the practically three-year-old struggle. Tens of 1000’s of civilians have died because the battle started, with thousands and thousands displaced.The interview marks a uncommon look by a senior Russian official on a significant American information programme, broadly seen as a transfer to straight affect policymakers in Washington. Lavrov additionally forged doubt on the opportunity of a summit between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing too many unresolved points.NBC had earlier launched a clip wherein Lavrov questioned Zelenskyy’s legitimacy and blamed Ukraine for delays within the peace course of. Ukrainian officers, in flip, have accused Moscow of participating in talks with President Trump in dangerous religion.Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance advised Meet the Press that Russia has made “significant concessions to President Trump” for the primary time in over three years of battle. Vance mentioned Putin had agreed to Ukraine’s “territorial integrity,” and safety ensures backed by allies.The interview underlines rising geopolitical friction as diplomatic talks proceed with each side buying and selling accusations over delays and impasse.