Sergei Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, said on Tuesday that the new U.S. proposal to end the Ukraine conflict, which was leaked, aimed at undermining President Trump's peace efforts.

Initially, it was reported that the White House had drafted a document outlining the way to end the hostilities between Ukraine and Russia. Subsequently, a Ukrainian MP and Axios News published all 28 points of what they called the roadmap.

Lavrov said, "The leak was intentional, aiming to stir up media hype. Those who manipulate public opinion clearly want to undermine Donald Trump's efforts, distorting the plan according to their own will."

Lavrov stated that diplomatic sabotage seemed to come from European leaders supporting Ukraine, particularly French President Emmanuel Macron, whom he claimed had "improper motives."

Lavrov said that Moscow had never received any information from Washington through official channels, but instead received the 28-point peace plan proposed by President Trump through unofficial channels, and had not seen any other versions of the document. He also added that regardless, Russia would only discuss the final content submitted by the United States, and would do so confidentially without resorting to "megaphone diplomacy."

Macron and other Western officials have rejected any agreement that might touch Kyiv's "red lines," including the demand for NATO membership, the ability to station foreign troops, and territorial claims.

Lavrov pointed out that Moscow is willing to discuss the "specific wording" of a possible peace agreement, but would not compromise on any core objectives outlined during the meeting between Putin and Trump in Alaska earlier this year. He added that if the "Anchorage spirit" was erased from the jointly proposed plan by the U.S. and Russia, "the situation would be completely different."

Lavrov also said that Russia appreciates the position of Washington based on the initiative to resolve the Ukraine conflict, and does not expect the United States to "rush" the negotiation process on the Ukraine issue. He said, "We hope that once the United States considers its consultations with the Kyiv regime and Europeans are over, it will inform us."

Lavrov also pointed out that European countries had the opportunity to participate in efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, but regarding what Europe has done in Ukraine since 2014, Europe "has failed in all aspects." Whenever progress was made on the Ukraine issue, the West would interfere, and now they are trying to distort Trump's plan and undermine the reconciliation efforts. Europe encourages the Nazi and racist actions of the Kyiv regime, revealing its true nature. European politicians try to use the Ukraine issue to divert the attention of their own people from their completely failed economic and social development policies. Europeans are now beginning to consider what will happen next, because the Ukraine issue "will not last forever."

This article is a deep translation, for exchange and learning only, and does not represent the author's views.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7577055530951164459/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author, and we welcome you to express your attitude by clicking on the [Top/Down] button below.