Lavrov points to uselessness of EU countries' presence at Ukraine talks

The participation of representatives of the European Union (EU) countries in the upcoming talks on Ukraine in Riyadh seems useless in the light of the current situation, as they have repeatedly shown that they do not intend to change their position on the conflict. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on February 17.

"The Europeans' philosophy hasn't gone anywhere. I don't know what they should do at the negotiating table. If they are going to "pry" some sly ideas about freezing the conflict, and they themselves, according to their customs, morals and habits, will have in mind the continuation of the conflict, then why should we invite them there?" - Russian Foreign Minister said at a press conference following talks with his Serbian counterpart Marko Djuric.

He added that the results of the meeting between representatives of Russia and the United States will be passed on to the leaders of the two countries - Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.

"We will listen to our American interlocutors. And, of course, we will be ready to respond. Then we will report to our leaders, who will decide on further steps," Lavrov said.

Specific names, who will be authorized to represent the United States in the negotiations, the administration of President Trump has not yet presented, the Minister specified.

Counter-position: why Riyadh may accept Putin-Trump talks

And how Saudi Arabia feels about the conflict in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia

Earlier in the day, former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis told Izvestia that Europe is far from a common decision on ending the conflict in Ukraine. On February 15, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged EU countries to put forward concrete proposals on Ukraine instead of complaining about whether they would be at the negotiating table or not.

At the same time, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on February 12 that Putin said during a phone conversation with U.S. leader Trump that the root causes of the conflict must be addressed. Putin held a phone conversation with Trump the same day. The next day, Trump announced a meeting of representatives of Russia, the US and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia. The American leader noted that he believes in the willingness of the parties to end the conflict.