Russia’s foreign minister has labelled discussions about a peacekeeping force operating in Ukraine after a potential ceasefire with Russia as “empty talk”.
Speaking in Doha, Sergei Lavrov said the idea, mooted in the past weeks by both Britain and France, is aimed at further fuelling the conflict and was a “deceit” aimed at allowing Ukraine to rearm.
He said the move would draw Ukraine into NATO and “totally destroy” the rights of Russian-speakers there.
Donald Trump said on Monday that he asked Vladimir Putin specifically about the possibility of a peacekeeping force operating in Ukraine.
The Russian leader reportedly said he had “no problem with it”, in stark contrast to the Kremlin’s messaging on the issue.
Asked about the comments at a news conference yesterday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cast doubt on Trump’s claim, referring to an earlier statement that such a move would be “unacceptable” to Moscow. (Skynews)