Russian FM: Diplomatic dialogue with Ukraine remains possible despite differences

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that despite significant differences in negotiating positions, there remains an opportunity for dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv.

Speaking at a press conference following a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ministerial meeting in Tianjin, Lavrov noted that Ukraine has stopped referring to a proposed third round of Russian-Ukrainian peace talks and is also undergoing changes within its negotiation team, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

"They tried to pretend that the level of our delegation was inadequate, but now Ukraine's delegation is being reshuffled," Lavrov stated.

"Umerov, their former defence minister, is heading to the United States to serve as ambassador. The third round of negotiations, which we proposed to hold during the week of June 22, has still not been mentioned in any Ukrainian statements or by their Western advisers. Now, their negotiator has left as well."

Lavrov confirmed that both sides had exchanged drafts of a peace memorandum during the previous round of talks, but acknowledged their stark differences.

"Our delegation submitted a draft agreement in the form of a memorandum, and the Ukrainians did the same. Yes, they are contradictory," Lavrov said.

Nonetheless, he emphasised that conflicting positions should not be a barrier to dialogue. "Even when positions are inconsistent or contradictory, there is always room for conversation," the Russian Foreign Minister added.

Earlier, Lavrov met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of SCO summit in Tianjin, China.

During their meeting, Lavrov and Xi discussed preparations for Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to China to participate in the SCO leaders' summit and the celebrations marking the "80th anniversary of victory over militarist Japan," according to the ministry.

Lavrov conveyed Moscow's views on "certain current topics on the international and regional agenda" and passed along "friendly greetings and best wishes" to the Chinese president from Putin.

Xi welcomed Putin's expected visit and gave "high praise to the state of bilateral relations and reaffirmed commitment to further enhancing comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction" with Russia.

By Aghakazim Guliyev