Lavrov: We will not give up Crimea or Zaporian power plant, and we do not care about the abolition of sanctions

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Ławrow excluded in an interview with CBS television, giving control over the Zaporozha nuclear power plant and announced that the issue of Russian control over Crimea is closed. However, he expressed appreciation for Donald Trump's administration for her peace efforts.

During the conversation with the CBS journalist Margaret Brennan, which was recorded on Thursday, but published on Sunday, the head of Russian diplomacy consistently refused to discuss the details of the talks regarding the war in Ukraine, but signaled that there are issues that Russia would not agree to. When asked about Crimea, Lavrov pointed out that “Russia does not negotiate on his territory,” and praised the words of Donald Trump on this subject – that “Crimea would stay with Russia.”

He spoke similarly about the future of the Zaporian nuclear power plant occupied by Russia. When asked about the US power plant proposed by the US – which would be managed by the United States – Lavrov stated that Russia did not receive any detailed proposal on this subject, and if it received, it would explain that the power plant is “in good hands” of the Rosatom group and that no change in this matter is possible.

The minister also suggested that Russia would not return thousands of forced deported children to Ukraine. Lavrov pointed out that when individual parents turn to the Russian authorities, their children are given to them, but suggested, contrary to the evidence, that there are no thousands of children taken by Russia.

“Nobody knows why some experts advise the president about + thousands + Ukrainian children” – said Ławrow.

When asked about the abolition of American sanctions for Russia, the head of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs remained with his earlier words that he did not care about abolishing restrictions, because the Russian economy is stronger and more self -sufficient. He also warned that if American companies want to return to Russia, it may turn out that “their place is taken by Russian or foreign investors.”

“If American companies would like to come to a place that is not yet taken, if they want to propose a project, a new project in addition to previous business connections, then of course we will look at it. And if we find a community of our interests, I think that it would be natural that we would start business together” – he added.

The Russian minister praised the US openness to Russia's arguments and interests, contrasting with the attitude of European politicians. “Europeans are really nervous that they are marginalized (…). I have already mentioned Kai Kallas and Ursula von der Leyen, which said: +Each agreement must ensure that Ukraine is stronger and that Ukraine is above Russia +.” – he said. “Do you need negotiators who believe in this kind of logic and do not want to look for an honest balance of interests? Trump administration is interested in seeking balance of interests. They honestly want to better understand Russia's position. And they get this understanding” – he added.

He also praised Donald Trump for being the only leader on Earth to see “the need to deal with the basic reasons for this situation”, adding that “pulling Ukraine into NATO was a huge mistake.”

From Washington Oskar Górzyński (PAP)

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