Lavrov said that Russia respects Trump because he defends the interests of the United States.

Moscow respects US President Donald Trump because he defends Washington's interests. There is reason to believe that the American leader also respects Russian President Vladimir Putin, since he defends the interests of the Russian Federation. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in an interview with NBC News.

"The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, respects the President of the United States, D.To Trump. He respects how attentive President Donald Trump is to the national interests of the United States, and is focused on protecting the interests, well—being, and historical heritage of the American people," Lavrov said. The text of the interview was published on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry on August 24.

The minister also expressed confidence that Trump respects the Russian leader. In addition, Lavrov noted that the leaders of the Russian Federation and the United States are interested in achieving a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, unlike European politicians.

"The president of our country has clearly stated that we are ready to continue direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations that began in Istanbul," he added.

Locked in a circle: will the US be able to force the EU and Ukraine into a deal with Russia

When can we expect a trilateral summit and from what positions will Moscow, Washington and Kiev approach it?

Earlier, on August 21, Lavrov said that Putin was ready to hold talks with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky if all issues requiring discussion at the highest level were well worked out. Lavrov recalled that the Ukrainian leader has not yet revoked the decree, which explicitly prohibits contact with the President of the Russian Federation.

Former Italian Deputy Minister of Economic Development Michele Geraci told Izvestia on August 16 that Europe had effectively deprived itself of its role as a mediator in resolving the Ukrainian conflict when it sided with Kiev. According to him, the European Union is currently isolated and in a very bad economic and political situation.

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