Russia is 'driving a wedge' between the USA and Ukraine

Lavrov answered questions from Russian press members after the Conference on Cooperation and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

Evaluating the news of the US-based Washington Post newspaper that the US and Europe are preparing a 4-item peace plan for Ukraine, Lavrov said that they follow the news in the Western press, but they have not received an official offer on this issue.

Stating that the plan in question envisages an immediate ceasefire on the front line, Lavrov said, "In the information leaks I have seen, there is no idea about how to achieve long-term and permanent peace." he said.

Emphasizing that Russia is ready for negotiations, Lavrov said, "If an agreement cannot be reached through negotiations, the issue will be solved by the actions of our armed forces, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said." he said.

Lavrov argued that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was not interested in the elections and said, "The conditions he put forward for the elections are absolutely unacceptable. There will be no ceasefire for him to come to his senses and for Ukraine to rearm." shared his opinion.

"The diesel deal was offered to us and we accepted"

Speaking about the diesel fuel agreement supported by US President Donald Trump, Lavrov said, "The diesel fuel agreement in question was proposed to us and we supported it." made his assessment.

Stating that Zelenskiy opposed the agreement, Lavrov stated that the Ukrainian leader instead demanded missiles for Patriot air defense systems and wanted to continue attacks on Russia's energy facilities.

"I think everyone now understands and is fully aware that this is a direct, and even rude, challenge to US President Donald Trump, who actively supports the agreement in question and has repeatedly made public statements on this issue," Lavrov said.

Stating that such behavior of Zelenskiy has become a common situation, Lavrov expressed the opinion that the Ukrainian leader is not ready for "any constructive step".

Russia is ready to participate in the Trump route project

Lavrov reminded that they support the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and welcome the agreement reached in Washington.

Referring to the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP)" project, which is planned to connect Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan via Armenia, Lavrov stated that Russia is ready to participate in infrastructure projects in the region.

Lavrov emphasized that they also support the "3+3" regional cooperation platform, which was created with the initiative of Türkiye and Azerbaijan and brings together the South Caucasus countries with Russia, Turkey and Iran.

Lavrov suggested that the next meeting of foreign ministers of the platform be held in Azerbaijan and then in Armenia, and noted that this format is important for the development of regional cooperation.