Advertisement

Russia open to talks with West, awaiting serious proposal: Sergey Lavrov

Click to play video: 'Russia open to Putin meeting Biden at G20, Lavrov says'
Russia open to Putin meeting Biden at G20, Lavrov says
WATCH: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that Moscow was open to talks with the West on the Ukraine conflict, specifically with U.S. President Joe Biden, but had yet to receive any serious proposal to negotiate. He also said the United States had long been involved in the war in Ukraine. Plus, the Russian military doctrine allows for only the defensive use of nuclear weapons, Lavrov added – Oct 11, 2022

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday that Moscow was open to talks with the West on the Ukraine war but had yet to receive any serious proposal to negotiate.

In an interview on state TV, Lavrov said Russia was willing to engage with the United States or with Turkey on ways to end the war, now in its eight month.

His emphasis on Russia’s receptiveness to talks came after a series of stinging defeats since the start of September that have swung the momentum of the conflict in favour of Ukraine.

Lavrov said officials including White House national security spokesman John Kirby had said the United States was open to talks but that Russia had refused.

Story continues below advertisement
Click to play video: 'Putin takes revenge on Ukraine with deadly strikes'
Putin takes revenge on Ukraine with deadly strikes

“This is a lie,” Lavrov said. “We have not received any serious offers to make contact.”

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

He also said Russia would not turn down a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden at a mid-November summit of the Group of 20 in Indonesia, and would consider the proposal if it receives one.

“We have repeatedly said that we never refuse meetings. If there is a proposal, then we will consider it,” Lavrov said.

Click to play video: 'Russia’s escalation in Ukraine triggers condemnation from West'
Russia’s escalation in Ukraine triggers condemnation from West

Commenting on the possibility that Turkey could host talks between Russia and the West, Lavrov said Moscow would be willing to listen to any suggestions but could not say in advance whether this would lead to results.

Story continues below advertisement

He said Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan would have an opportunity to put proposals to Russian President Vladimir Putin when both visit Kazakhstan this week.

Lavrov noted that direct talks between Russia and Ukraine had broken down at the end of March. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ruled out talking to Putin after Russia claimed the annexation last month of four Ukrainian regions that it partly occupies.

Sponsored content

AdChoices