Lavrov: Russia will lose rest of Ukraine if it recognizes the DPR and LPR
If Russia recognizes the self-proclaimed Luhansk and Donetsk People's Republics (the DPR and LPR), it will lose relations with Ukraine, which will remain in the hands of the current regime, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on the air of the Komsomolskaya Pravda Radio Station, explaining why Russia does not recognize the DPR and LPR.
“You want to recognize the DPR and LPR? What then? Do you want to lose the rest of Ukraine and leave it to the Nazis?” he said.
“We are not at war with the Ukrainian regime. It is the citizens of Ukraine living in the Donbas who fight against the Ukrainian regime,” Lavrov continued.
When asked why Moscow does not break relations with Kyiv, Lavrov said, “We have relationships with the Ukrainian state, which is much more important for us than the regime that came to power due to the West’s treachery of all international norms and behavior.”
“The Ukrainian people have nothing to do with it. I am sure that the overwhelming part of the Ukrainian people wants peace in their country. They want to get rid of this shameful regime and to return to normal relations with the Russian Federation. They are much broader and deeper than just the DPR and LPR,” Lavrov said.
The Minsk agreements are the only way to overcome the crisis in the Donbas, Lavrov said.
“There are no alternatives to the Minsk agreements. I said the same thing two years ago,” the minister said.
Replying to a reporter’s remark according to which the Minsk agreements allegedly do not work, Lavrov said, “The UN Charter has also been violated many times. It has also failed for many times. Nevertheless, it is impermissible to give in to panic emotions.”