Lavrov: Territory swaps or 'tempting' Putin with U.S. trade won't stop war in Ukraine

Russia’s state propaganda agencies TASS and RIA Novosti quoted him.

“Some may think that territorial swaps or attempts to entice Putin with restored trade with America could stop the war - but that’s not true… Essentially, he (Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy) wants to prevent the Western powers from following a sensible course,” Lavrov said.

He added that Europe is “brazenly trying to win a seat at the negotiating table in Ukraine, even though, given the Europeans’ position, they have no business there.”

“European military contingents in Ukraine will become legitimate targets for Russia,” the Russian foreign minister added.

• Russian Security Council head Dmitry Medvedev lashed out at Estonia’s defense minister and NATO initiatives in Kyiv, warning that proposals for a “no-fly zone” over Ukraine would mean “only one thing – a NATO war with Russia.”