Lavrov on Ukraine talks History, terms and Bucha

Feb 21, 2014

Dynkin invites Svetlana Sharenkova's question about Russia's negotiating stance. Lavrov says Russia has repeatedly negotiated, recalling Yanukovych's trade concerns, a proposed Russia–Ukraine–EU consultation and what he says was Barroso's dismissive reply. He describes the 2014 opposition settlement, Russia's withdrawal of its representative, proposed national unity and early elections, an Obama–Putin call and the subsequent seizure of government premises, language-status controversy and Crimea developments. He recalls Minsk and UN endorsement but attributes to Merkel, Hollande and Poroshenko an intention never to implement it. He recounts initialed Istanbul principles and alleges British intervention. In the Medinsky-led process he says Russia proposed more senior delegation heads and humanitarian, political and military working groups, received no answer and later encountered Ukrainian disinterest; he says proposals remain unfinished. He remains open to serious negotiations, rejects a ceasefire-first approach and European ultimatums and says Russia will no longer rely on promises. He alleges that the Bucha footage was staged and used to derail talks, says requests for victims' names have gone unanswered and recalls an April letter to Guterres. His disputed historical interpretations, staging allegations, attribution of motives and claims of unanswered requests remain attributed; they do not establish a final peace agreement or findings about the killings.

Lavrov recounts the February 2014 settlement between Yanukovych and opposition representatives, describing early elections, a national-unity government and reduced presidential powers. He portrays European ministers as guarantors and recounts an Obama–Putin telephone exchange supporting Yanukovych's ability to decide. These are his retrospective descriptions.