Russia intends to go further than Ukraine, must stop ‘diplomacy of deception’: Former foreign minister

A former Russian overseas minister advised Fox Information Digital that Russia must return to “worldwide norms” earlier than significant talks and relations can happen. 

Andrei Kozyrev, who served as Russia’s overseas minister from 1990 to 1996, stated that the West and Russia will stay at odds till “Russian rulers begin to behave throughout the worldwide norms.” 

“I feel when Russia comes again to honoring the worldwide norms, and Ukraine sovereignty and territorial integrity is a part of these norms … till they show they can observe these norms, each inside – I imply minimal of human rights, respect for freedom of press – and of their overseas coverage… till that, there isn’t any understanding, and the sanctions ought to stand,” he stated.

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Kozyrev cautioned that Russia’s goals embrace the entire of Japanese Europe, with intent to “assault, to stress, to intimidate different international locations, together with members of NATO.” 

And talks with Russia may even show troublesome as Russia practices what Kozyrev referred to as “diplomacy of deception.” 

“It’s a chat of lies, you already know,” he stated. “It’s unbelievable.” 

Kozyrev spoke at size about his working relationship together with his then-deputy and now-current Overseas Minister Sergei Lavrov, who took workplace in 2004 and “modified drastically” from his earlier days within the ministry.  

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“He was, you already know, my brother within the endeavor,” he stated, accusing Lavrov of ethical {and professional} “degradation.” “He was sharing my views –in any other case, I wouldn’t have put him on this place and labored collectively.” 

“I don’t know why he’s doing this,” Kozyrev added. “He was a very good diplomat and a very good individual … he was my good friend.”

“I attempted my greatest to ascertain greatest relations the place Russia belongs – with Europe and america, most developed and democratic international locations. I wished to be in that membership.” 

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He lamented that Russia “misplaced the initiative” pursuing democracy, which he pressured, “should be defended day by day.” 

Kozyrev largely blamed President Vladimir Putin, whom he stated has “no concept of the world outdoors of his workplace within the Kremlin” or “his bunker underneath the bottom the place he hides from COVID and possibly now nuclear bombs.” 

“He has no concept,” Kozyrev stated with fun. “He underestimated Ukraine, he thought there was no nation like Ukraine, and naturally they won’t stand towards Russian aggression. He thought there was no unity within the West … he underestimated Europe the identical means.”