Lavrov: Russia ready for dialogue, but national interests come first

Russia is not going to do anything that is contrary to its national interests, but agrees to dialogue with the United States, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said yesterday during a brush-past meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference with US Secretary of State John Kerry, according to sources in the Russian Foreign Ministry.

"But at the same time, the Russian side is ready for constructive cooperation with the US in the bilateral sphere and in the international arena, where our countries have a special responsibility for global stability," RIA Novosti quoted Lavrov.

The minister particularly emphasised that increasing tension in order to put sanctions pressure on Russia will not lead to any results.

In addition, Lavrov and Kerry discussed the crisis in Ukraine. The foreign ministers agreed that the only possible way to resolve the conflict is political. In particular, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry, we are talking about the implementation of an all-Ukrainian dialogue on constitutional reform.
In addition, Lavrov pointed out that supplying the Ukrainian military with equipment and weapons, which is now being actively considered by the US authorities, may lead to serious consequences and is unlikely to contribute to a political settlement of the conflict in the south-east of the country.
The head of the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that dialogue is also required in the situation in Syria: only constructive cooperation between the Syrian government and the opposition will reduce tension in the region.