The diplomat said that a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine is only possible if Ukraine abandons its plans to join NATO, closes Western military bases, and cancels exercises with the participation of foreign troops. In addition, the West would have to take account of the realities on the ground.

At the same time, Lavrov clarified that Russia would judge the Donald Trump Administration by its concrete actions.

Later on, the Foreign Minister assured that Russia is prepared for any development of events around Ukraine, but prefers a peaceful solution that includes Russian security interests.

Lavrov also recalled in the interview with Carlson that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky was convinced he would dictate terms to the West in 2022, so he signed a decree banning negotiations with Russia. He also stressed that, unlike Zelensky’s military, Moscow has never set itself the goal of killing the Ukrainian population.

The diplomat said that Russia’s recent attack with the use of an Oreshnik missile showed that Russia is ready to use any means to prevent the West from inflicting a “strategic defeat” on Moscow and to send additional signals if the West does not draw the necessary conclusions.

Lavrov also said that the Russian leadership would like good relations with the United States and sees no reason why the two countries cannot cooperate. The outgoing US President Joe Biden wants to leave the future tenant of the White House a difficult legacy.

At another point in the interview with reporter Carlson, Lavrov referred to the situation in Syria and noted that stabilizing that country is not easy, because it is a complex game involving many actors, but stressed that Russia will discuss with its partners the issue of blocking the financing and armament channels of terrorists in Syria and will seek a diplomatic solution in the so-called Astana Format.

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