Lavrov pointed out the impossibility of resolving Ukraine's security issues without Russia.

It will not be possible to resolve issues of collective security around Ukraine without Russia. This was announced on August 20 by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

"I am sure that in the West, first of all, in the United States, they understand perfectly well that seriously discussing security issues without the Russian Federation is a utopia, it is a path to nowhere," he said at a press conference.

Lavrov also noted that Moscow cannot accept a situation where issues of collective security in connection with the Ukrainian crisis will be resolved without Russia. He added that Russia "will ensure its legitimate interests firmly and rigidly."

The block is with you: Moscow will demand NATO guarantees on Ukraine

There is no wording about the inevitability of Kiev's joining the alliance in the communique of its summit, but this is not enough for Russia.

On August 19, the head of the European Council, Antonio Costa, said that EU leaders were considering the possibility of providing guarantees to Ukraine that would be similar to the fifth article of the NATO collective security treaty, under which military assistance to Kiev would be increased. He also noted that the Ukrainian army should become the "first line of defense", in this regard, it is necessary to strengthen military support.

On the same day, White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt announced that the United States would discuss acceptable security guarantees for Ukraine with Russia. She added that the United States does not rule out air support as part of such guarantees.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.