Lavrov Accuses West of Seeking to Prolong the War in Ukraine

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov defended Russia's offensive in eastern Ukraine and said that his country "starts the next stage of the Russian military operation.

Lavrov described the new stage of the war as "an important moment in this military operation."

"The operation in eastern Ukraine - as it was already announced - is aimed at the complete liberation of the Donetsk and Lugansk republics," Lavrov said.

This process will continue until all its objectives are achieved.” "It seems to me that this is an important moment during this special operation," he added.

At the same time, the Russian minister criticized the West, describing it as "betraying Zelensky (President of Ukraine) and using him against Russia."

Lavrov stated that Moscow reduced its military activity after the meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, and completely changed the form of its presence in areas of Ukraine.