Russia's Istanbul remark: 'If you stop pumping weapons into Ukraine, the war will end'

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that what Israel is doing in Gaza is collective punishment, which is contrary to international humanitarian law. Lavrov held a press conference at the United Nations (UN) headquarters. Pointing out that the "international community has failed to respond to the situation in Gaza," Lavrov underscored that none of the UN Security Council resolutions adopted on the matter have been implemented.

As reported by AA, stating that the October 7 attacks were unacceptable, Lavrov used the expression, "What Israel is doing in Gaza is collective punishment." Expressing that collective punishment is a violation of international humanitarian law, Lavrov said, "You cannot fight one violation by committing other violations."

Accusing the office of the UN Secretary-General of applying "double standards," Lavrov noted that while they do not clearly state who is responsible when mentioning the attacks on Gaza, they immediately blame Russia when it comes to Ukraine. Lavrov underscored the necessity for UN staff to be impartial toward all members.

CRITICISM OF ISRAEL

Regarding a question about the tension in the Middle East and the possibility of Iran's involvement, Lavrov said, "Iran does not want to increase tension. Israel does." Lavrov said that Hezbollah is also acting with restraint, but that the US and Israel are trying to fuel the conflict and start a "comprehensive war." The Russian Foreign Minister stated that the West must exert all necessary efforts to reduce tension.

'PEACE WAS ON THE VERGE OF BEING ACHIEVED IN ISTANBUL'

Speaking about the situation in Ukraine, Lavrov said, "If the Minsk Agreement had been implemented, Ukraine would have maintained its 1991 borders, excluding Crimea." Emphasizing that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's "peace proposal" is one-sided and unacceptable, Lavrov recalled that peace was on the verge of being achieved during the negotiations held in Istanbul in 2022, and stated, "The then-Prime Minister of the UK, Boris Johnson, gave instructions to Ukraine not to sign, and they walked away from the table." Lavrov said, "If you stop pumping weapons into Ukraine, the war will end."

Noting that NATO has an unfair and aggressive policy, Lavrov said that they advocate for a Eurasian security model. Lavrov stated that this model would be based on equality and would look after everyone's interests.

When asked how relations would be if former US President Donald Trump and his new vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance, who advocates cutting support to Ukraine, were elected, Lavrov said, "We are ready to work with any leader the American people choose." Lavrov reported that during the time Trump was president, intense economic and diplomatic sanctions were imposed on Russia, but despite this, "dialogue channels were open at the highest level." Stating that there is no dialogue with the current US administration, Lavrov underscored that relations must be conducted on a respectful and equal footing.