Lavrov reiterates the narrative about the 'persecution of the canonical UOC-MP'

He made this statement in an interview with Russian propagandistic media, as reported by NV.

In addition to discussing “denazification” and “demilitarization,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized the importance of “protecting the rights of national minorities in Ukraine,” “restoring the status of the Russian language,” and “ending the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate,” which he refers to as “canonical.”

Lavrov also noted the “importance” of the approach taken by US President Donald Trump, who advocates for “ending the conflict based on sustainable agreements, unlike the previous administration under Joe Biden.”

He asserted that Russia is open to negotiations but only if “all the above-mentioned fundamental positions are taken into account.”

Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD), responded to Lavrov's statements by highlighting that the primary goal of the Russian Federation remains the destruction of Ukraine as a state, the seizure of Ukrainian territory, and the expulsion of as many Ukrainians as possible from their homeland.

Kovalenko explained that Moscow's manipulations regarding peacemaking efforts are merely attempts to mitigate the war's consequences for Russia.

“The militarization of Ukraine is an inevitable result of Russian aggression and is essential for ensuring Ukraine's survival,” he stated. “If there is no change in the Kremlin's rhetoric, it indicates that Russia and its regime have not yet faced significant losses, and therefore, pressure must be intensified.”

The head of the CCD called for the destruction of Russia's oil refining and energy sectors in response to its actions, an escalation of strikes using Western weapons, tougher sanctions, and a reduction of economic support for Moscow from China.

“Russia must be treated as a war zone, or it will eventually bring the conflict to NATO countries. It is impossible to contain the threat posed by Russia, which currently operates as a raw materials supplier, without undermining its ability to finance the war,” Kovalenko concluded.

Ukraine and Russia last engaged in negotiations at the delegation level on July 23, 2025, during the third round of talks mediated by Turkish authorities in Istanbul.