After threatening new strikes, Russia says diplomacy remains preferred path
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (photo: kremlin.ru)
Moscow prefers diplomacy in achieving the goals of its so-called special military operation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said after Russian officials had threatened large-scale attacks on Ukraine, according to Russian media.
"Russia prefers that the goals of the special military operation be achieved through diplomacy," Lavrov said after the Kremlin's promises the previous day to launch massive attacks on Ukraine.
He also stressed that the diplomatic path implies guarantees of Russia's reliable security on its western borders, as well as "ensuring the rights and dignity of citizens and compatriots, including the ability to use the Russian language and preserve the Orthodox faith."
The head of the Russian ministry also emphasized that the collective West "must stop its military-political expansion, as this contradicts the principles of the emerging multipolar world."
As is known, on June 18, Russia issued threats against Ukraine and promised daily large-scale attacks. This came after Ukrainian drones attacked an oil refinery in Moscow, the Russian capital, during the night of June 18, resulting in a major fire.
For its part, Russia launched a combined strike on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine several days earlier, causing large-scale fires, including in residential buildings. Many people were killed, and even more were injured in the attack on June 15.
A significant consequence of the Russian attack was also a fire on the territory of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, which drew reactions around the world.
Earlier, in May, Russia also launched a massive strike on Ukraine during the night of May 24. At that time, Kyiv and the Kyiv region were the main targets of the attackers.
In the capital, that attack became a record for the number of damaged facilities since the beginning of the war.
