Take, for example, this incredibly tense interview that CBS’s Margaret Brennan recently conducted with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Face the Nation. … with a glimmer of hope for a peace deal that might end the still-bubbling conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Lavrov was given an opportunity to explain the specifics of a rumored “deal” from former President Donald Trump, but he refused to be pinned down. He stressed Russia’s deep interest in the proposals without giving any details.
Throughout that interview, Lavrov cited Trump’s book, “The Art of the Deal,” as the model for their negotiations. He indicated that one piece of negotiations, at least, Trump was adamant should go to ground. I understand why you wanted us to give these short answers to your questions. You want some slogans to be. This comment underscored his stubbornness to give straight answers all the while doubling down on Russia’s commitment to genuine discussions.
When asked under tough questioning about Crimea, Lavrov doubled down by promising that Crimea would always be a part of Russia. He pushed back against Brennan’s assertion that Ukraine had banned the use of the Russian language, stating, “It is not illegal, Minister Lavrov, to speak Russian. The President of Ukraine speaks Russian.” This encounter highlighted the intricacies of language and identity in the area, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict.
Lavrov’s language reflected Moscow’s increasingly aggressive posture toward the military campaign in Ukraine. He continued to call out President Putin for lacking any rational reason to attack civilian infrastructures. He reiterated that Russia’s military attacks target the facilities that are being used by Ukrainian armed forces, mercenaries and instructors. “I don’t want to re-explain what I explained, I think, in quite clear manner,” he added, indicating his frustration with repeated questions about Russia’s military strategy.
Brennan expressed concerns about U.S. sanctions on Russia, saying they wouldn’t be suddenly removed. At the same time, Lavrov rightly expressed his concerns about the consequences such actions could lead to. He worries that it would flood Russian markets. He stated, “because in American culture, you create expectations, and you ignite tension around those expectations. This does not help to do realpolitik.”
Continuing the debate, Lavrov said that the opportunity to find a solution is closing in. He received endorsements of this urgency from Secretary of State Marco Rubio as well as Brennan. That’s actually happening. He responded to Trump’s latest tirade on Truth Social, where Trump called on Putin to “QUIT.” Serious countries, he suggested, only engage with serious proposals.
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