Russia will not cease fire even if talks with Ukraine start - Lavrov

He said this in an interview with three propaganda media.

"Firstly, he (Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy - ed.) has banned himself from negotiations. Secondly, of course, there is no faith in them (Ukrainians - ed.)," Lavrov said, answering a question about the likelihood of negotiations.

At the same time, the diplomat stressed that Russia is supposedly ready for negotiations, but he believes that it makes no sense to hold them with Zelenskyy.

Lavrov also stressed that Russia would not discuss President Zelenskyy's peace formula.

"We said we are ready for negotiations, but unlike the Istanbul story, we will not make any pauses in the fighting during the negotiations. The process must continue," the minister concluded.

• On February 22, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls on Kyiv and Moscow to hold peace talks, saying that this is the only way to end the war.
• On February 28, Turkish President Recep Erdogan announced his readiness to provide a platform for talks between Ukraine and Russia.