Lavrov: Russia wants to turn Ukraine into a "buffer zone" against the West
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has admitted that Moscow wants the entire territory of Ukraine to become a buffer zone between Russia and the West once fighting ends. He also stated that Russia will not accept the current Ukrainian government remaining in power.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov openly outlined Moscow's long-term intentions toward Ukraine during an appearance on Russian state propaganda channel Pervy Kanal's program "The Great Game," according to the outlet Dialog.UA.
When the host asked how Russia could obtain guarantees that hostilities would not resume decades from now, Lavrov replied that everyone talks about Russia needing a "buffer zone," and expressed his wish for Ukraine itself to become that zone.
Conditions for a change of government
Lavrov stressed that Moscow does not accept a scenario in which the current Ukrainian government remains in power after the war ends. Russia's leadership describes this government as "russophobic" and "aggressive." The minister claimed that if the existing authorities stayed in place after the so-called "military phase" concludes, violations of human rights as well as language and religious rights would continue in Ukraine.
Lavrov provided no evidence or concrete examples to support these claims.
