Source: ISW
Details: Lavrov stated that the plans for European peacekeeping forces to be deployed in Ukraine are part of the West's efforts to "incite" Ukraine to wage war against Russia. He claimed that the West brought Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to power "at the point of a bayonet" and intends to use peacekeeping forces to support "his regime."
Once again, Lavrov reiterated Kremlin narratives, asserting that the root causes of the war are NATO's eastward expansion and the alleged discrimination against Russian-speaking populations in Ukraine.
Verbatim: "The Kremlin is likely trying to drive a wedge between the United States and Europe to secure concessions in favor of Russia during future peace negotiations and other talks."
Key takeaways from ISW on March 2:
- Recent official statements from Russia in response to the proposed Ukrainian-American agreement on mineral extraction indicate that the Kremlin is attempting to sabotage it by using narratives aimed at Ukrainian and American audiences. The Kremlin claims that this agreement is disadvantageous for Ukraine while simultaneously asserting that Russia can offer the United States better terms. This suggests that Moscow views the agreement as harmful to its interests.
- The Kremlin is highly interested in preventing the signing of the agreement between the United States and Ukraine regarding mineral extraction, as it involves long-term U.S. investments in Ukraine and recognizes its sovereignty.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is attempting to leverage discussions between the U.S. and EU regarding the potential deployment of European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine as part of future peace settlements to intensify the Kremlin's demands for a change of power in Ukraine.
- European leaders demonstrated their commitment to supporting Ukraine at the defense summit in London on March 2.
- Ukrainian forces advanced near Toretsk, while Russian forces moved near Velyka Novosilka.