Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Washington signaled through diplomatic channels it would not send American military personnel to Ukraine to inspect the Patriot air defense system. His remarks were carried by TASS.
Lavrov said the Russian Embassy in Washington maintains ongoing contacts with the United States. Within these channels, Moscow inquired whether U.S. experts would be deployed to Ukraine as Washington prepared to transfer anti-aircraft systems to Kyiv, a decision that drew scrutiny from Moscow.
“This was not planned; it was explained at length, because the Americans did not want direct confrontation with Russia. The Patriot will be deployed in a few months after Ukrainian personnel gain proficiency with the system,” the Russian foreign minister asserted.
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Lavrov also addressed whether the conflict might escalate in 2023.
“The question of waiting for a breakthrough can be explored in various statements and analyses by political scientists. We are not signaling that our leadership intends to push for an escalation. Our aim is to ensure the goals of the special military operation are achieved.”
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Lavrov emphasized that Moscow seeks a resolution with Ukraine as soon as possible, while prioritizing the protection of civilians and the safety of soldiers on the ground.
“Of course, ending the situation that the West has unleashed through Ukraine remains a priority, but the lives of soldiers and civilians on the battlefield take precedence.”
No flashy transactions
Lavrov noted that the Kremlin leadership does not plan to undertake flashy operations during the non-nuclear phase of the conflict.
“As long as media hype persists, and as the Ukrainian side often seeks attention, there is no spontaneous move toward a spectacular offensive, regardless of losses,” he stated.
He added that Kyiv aims for media visibility so that Western capitals continue to regard Ukrainian leadership as true democratic representatives.
Communication lost
Lavrov also said the United States recently made several unofficial proposals for talks, but none progressed despite Russia’s agreement in principle.
Each time Moscow said yes, he noted, only one instance materialized.
Lavrov recalled a meeting in Ankara between the head of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, William Burns, and Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service chief Sergei Naryshkin. He said subsequent visits did not advance constructively.
And no desire to speak
Lavrov stated that Russian authorities have little appetite for extended dialogue with Western nations at this time.
“There are few opportunities to talk with the West, and there is no pressing invitation when observing statements from foreign ministers, prime ministers, and presidents,” he remarked.
He argued that Western leaders have shifted from claiming security concerns about Europe without Russia to acknowledging security concerns that include Russia as a factor in regional stability.
US opposed to negotiations
On December 28, Lavrov contended that Washington thwarted Kyiv’s peace talks with Moscow in an effort to “drain” Moscow’s resolve, as reported by TASS.
He said Russia faced accusations of rejecting negotiations, even though President Putin has repeatedly said there were no serious proposals on the table.
“The Istanbul episode shows that even then they were discouraging progress, saying it was not timely to move forward,” Lavrov asserted.
Merkel’s remarks
The Russian foreign minister also commented on former German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s comments about the Minsk agreements, arguing they were not about fear of being outpaced by anti-Russian sentiment. Lavrov recalled that years before leaving office, Merkel told Putin that Moscow had already decided much of what should happen in Donbass and that Moscow needed to engage with Kyiv directly.
“So it was not a revelation, nor a rush to keep pace with a speeding anti-Russian narrative,” Lavrov said.