Russia sees chance of peace with West over Ukraine
COMMENTS COME AFTER OLAF SCHOLZ LANDED IN KYIV FOR CRISIS TALKS
Russia said yesterday that a diplomatic solution to Moscow’s standoff with the West was still possible and that some of its military drills were ending, after tensions over Ukraine reached fever pitch.
The comments came after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz landed in Kyiv for crisis talks ahead of a visit to Moscow to head off what Berlin said was the “very critical” threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. During a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said “there is always a chance” to reach an agreement with Western countries over the standoff.
He told Putin that dialogue with leaders in European capitals and Washington should continue and that “opportunities are far from exhausted” for a resolution.
Positive comment
“I would suggest continuing” talks, Lavrov said. On his arrival in Ukraine, the German leader headed directly to see President Volodomyr Zelensky, whose government has demanded an urgent meeting with Russia to explain why it has deployed more than 100,000 soldiers to Ukraine’s borders. European leaders warn that the troop build-up is the worst threat to the continent’s security since the Cold War, as Putin demands a rollback of Western influence in eastern Europe and a ban on Ukraine joining Nato
Olaf in Ukraine
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz landed in Kyiv for crisis talks ahead of a dramatic visit to Moscow to head off what Berlin sees as the “very critical” threat of a Russian invasion.
On arrival in Ukraine, the German leader headed directly to see President Volodomyr Zelensky, whose government has demanded an urgent meeting with Russia to explain why it has deployed more than 100,000 soldiers to Ukraine’s borders.