Sergei Lavrow, Russian abroad Minister, in an interview with CBS News addressed key issues related to Crimea, sanctions and relations with the US. His statements confirm Kremlin's position on the annexation of the peninsula and point to a change of approach to the Western restrictions.
Lavrow: Crimea remains Russian. "This issue is closed"
During his interview with U.S. Lavrow Station, he clearly stated that Crimea's position was not subject to discussion. – Russian control of Crimea is closed – stated the head of Russian diplomacy. He besides referred to speculation about taking control of the Zaporoska Power Plant, stressing that the facility would stay under the management of Rosatom.
The sanctions have strengthened Russia? Lavrow: Economy is stronger now
When asked about the anticipation of abolishing sanctions imposed by the US, Lavrow stated that Russia was not curious in them. – The Russian economy is stronger and more self-sufficient thanks to them – he argued. However, he added that if American companies want to return to the Russian market, Moscow is open to cooperation, although he reserved that their place could already be occupied.
– If they want to propose a fresh project, we'll look into it. If we find a community of interests, it would be natural for us to start business together. – he said.
The Trump Law: “He saw the causes of the conflict. Bringing Ukraine into NATO was a mistake”
The head of the Russian MFA gave a affirmative assessment of Donald Trump's statements on the war in Ukraine. – The president of the United States thinks, and I think we're heading in the right direction. He is willing to make an agreement, but any details request to be worked out – said Lavrow, quoted by PAP.
He stressed that Trump was 1 of the fewer leaders who saw the origin of the conflict. – Bringing Ukraine into NATO was a immense mistake that wants to fix – he added, referring to the words of the erstwhile president of the United States.
Summary
Lavrow's statements confirm Russia's firm position on Crimea and sanctions. At the same time, they point to the anticipation of dialog with the US, peculiarly in the context of possible peace agreements. Will Trump actually change Washington-Moscow relations? Time will tell.
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Sergei Lavrow at CBS News: Crimea is simply a closed case, sanctions have strengthened Russia
