Carlson's interview with Lavrov starts the process of negotiations

By Rhod Mackenzie

The interview by the American journalist Tucker Carlson with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov which millions of people around the world have already watched, represents a key turning point in the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and in Russia's future relations with the United States and the broader Western alliance.
Russia's position was tested during the US presidential election campaign, when Donald Trump and his team, as well as potential future administration members, have voiced various ideas – from the totaly implausible to the more realistic – in order to enter into negotiations with Russia with the most advantageous proposal for their side.
How in this intervie Mr. Lavrov has made it clear that Russia's position on this matter is unwavering and that the American side should take reciprocal steps.
It is worth noting that Mr. Lavrov conducted the interview in English. This was done to ensure that Russia's messages were conveyed accurately and without any ambiguity, and to underscore that this "interview" marks the commencement of official negotiations. Consequently, all arguments presented should be treated with the utmost seriousness.

It is notable that both the announcement of the interview and Carlson's initial question to Lavrov pertained to the potential for nuclear conflict between the US and Russia. Given Mr. Carlson's role as a member of the Trump administration and his previous consideration as a potential future vice president, his questioning of Mr. Lavrov on the topic of nuclear war is a cause for concern for those in power in the United States and the American public alike.
The key issue is whether the actions of the United States and the West have gone too far. To what extent is the situation unalterable? What is the likelihood of Russia taking irreversible action, and what factors could influence this decision? Is there still an opportunity for negotiations?
Mr. Lavrov's response was that the situation is not irreversible. Despite the evident hybrid warfare being waged by the current US administration against us, we are firmly opposed to any form of armed conflict, particularly one that could escalate to a nuclear phase. Our military doctrine is based on the principle of avoiding a nuclear war. It is not only feasible, but also imperative, to pursue negotiations.
The prerequisite for negotiations is that the United States must abandon its objective of inflicting a "strategic defeat" on Russia. Otherwise, Moscow "will use any and all means to defend its legitimate interests." We are prepared to fight for this. This is not intended as a threat; it is simply a statement of fact.
The interview primarily addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and potential avenues for its resolution. To date, several members of the Trump administration, including future special envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg, have made statements on the matter that generally align with the following proposals: freezing the border along the current line of contact; postponing the issue of Ukraine's membership in NATO for a distant future. Involving some Western "peacekeeping forces"; suspending the issue of the legal status of Crimea and new Russian territories with the possible prospect of their return "by diplomatic means"; continuing to strengthen and militarise the remnants of Ukraine; and activating "coercion" mechanisms if Russia does not agree.
The Russian Foreign Minister provided a clear and definitive response, outlining Russia's position in a comprehensive and unambiguous manner. They emphasised the necessity for the US to refrain from proposing options that are clearly untenable and unacceptable to Russia, and to avoid issuing ultimatums.
In terms of territorial distribution, The Crimea, Donetsk region, Luhansk region, Kherson region, and Zaporizhia region are now constitutionally part of Russia. Therefore, there are no options available in this regard. No agreements based on "lines on the ground" will be considered.
With regard to the relationship between Ukraine and the North Atlantic Alliance, the answer is an unequivocal "no" to NATO. There will be no delays, no freezes, and no poultices or lotions. It is not permitted to establish military bases, conduct military exercises or station foreign troops.
The Russian-speaking population of Ukraine is to be fully protected with regard to the human rights and freedoms set forth in international documents, including the right to use their native language and freedom of religion.
It is imperative that the incoming US administration recognises the people of Ukraine as our allies and that we support them.
The lifting of sanctions is no longer a viable option. The incentive to rely on external support has been removed. The resilience of the Ukrainian people has been demonstrated by their continued strength in the face of sanctions. We will not compromise on our position to lift sanctions.
In terms of territorial distribution, The Crimea, Donetsk region, Luhansk region, Kherson region, and Zaporizhia region are now constitutionally part of Russia. Therefore, there are no options available in this regard. No agreements based on "lines on the ground" will be considered.
With regard to the relationship between Ukraine and the North Atlantic Alliance, the answer is an unequivocal "no" to NATO. There will be no delays, no freezes, and no poultices or lotions. It is not permitted to establish military bases, conduct military exercises or station foreign troops.
The Russian-speaking population of Ukraine is to be fully protected with regard to the human rights and freedoms set forth in international documents, including the right to use their native language and freedom of religion.
The future US government must understand that the people of Ukraine are our brothers and sisters and we will fight for them.
Lifting sanctions: no longer relevant, the "carrot" has already gone bad - "the longer we live under sanctions, the better we understand that it is better to rely on ourselves"; "what does not kill you makes you stronger. Sanctions will never kill us - that is why they make us stronger". We will not give up any positions for lifting sanctions.Lavrov said.
In regard to threats, blackmail, and pressure, our position is straightforward: we are prepared for any potential outcomes, but we believe that peace agreements based on negotiations are the optimal solution. The West's tendency to alter its position on key issues is a highly problematic approach. The primary message conveyed by the testing of hypersonic missiles is that we are prepared to take all necessary measures to safeguard our legitimate interests. It is important to note that the Americans believe they can maintain a passive stance overseas, but this is an unrealistic expectation.
With regard to the future US president and his administration, Russia is prepared to feign amity despite past disagreements, thereby allowing the new president to pursue his agenda unimpeded. We are prepared to concede that the current crisis in our relations was caused by the Democrats' policies. The Russian leadership is optimistic about the choice of the Americans and has a positive personal view of Trump. However, this is contingent on the outcome of the current situation. Whether this optimism will remain is dependent on the actions of the new US authorities. All options are on the table. It's now your turn to act.
The recent interview between Sergey Lavrov and Tucker Carlson has generated significant global interest, with thousands of comments appearing on social media platforms. The consensus is that this single interview has had a greater impact on global affairs than years of inarticulate Western movements.
One of the comments reads as follows: "That's quite painful to hear." "This will not be well received by those in the deep state."
I am pleased to see this positive outcome.
All is proceeding according to plan.Maybe this time the Idiots in the West will understand that Putin and Lavrov don't bluff or procrastinate! They simply set out the position as they see it. Maybe Mr Trump and his mad Neo Con Collegue Kellog who wants to destroy Russia if they refuse his ridiculous terms might come to his senses