Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had a telephone conversation with his Swiss counterpart Ignazio Cassis, during which they discussed the conflict in Ukraine, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported, quoted by Reuters and BTA.
During the conversation, Lavrov explained Russia's position on the situation in Ukraine, in the context of upcoming international initiatives.
Switzerland as a mediator
Switzerland, which hosted a peace conference this year at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, did not invite Russia. However, Zelensky expressed hope for the organization of a subsequent meeting, which would also include Russia, although Moscow stated that it would not participate in such a conference.
Putin, NATO and the need for action for Russia's security
Although the Russian Ministry's statement did not specify whether Lavrov and Cassis had discussed the idea of a second peace meeting, it indicated that Switzerland remains among the countries that have shown interest in resolving the conflict. Lavrov reminded his Swiss counterpart of Russia's position on the situation in Ukraine, related to President Vladimir Putin's statement of June 14. Russia stressed that NATO's expansion to the east is the main cause of the current conflict, which has made Russia's military operation "without alternative."
Russian minister stresses futility of Western ultimatums
Lavrov emphasized the inadmissibility of ultimatums from the West and Ukraine regarding the future of the conflict, stressing that Russia is ready to take all necessary steps to ensure its security.