Russia accuses NATO of meddling in Ukraine’s internal affairs, setting conditions for peace talks

Speaking in an interview with Xinhua News Agency published today (April 30), Foreign Minister Lavrov accused the US and the countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) of taking advantage of Ukraine to turn the country around. This became a “tool to contain Russia”.

According to Lavrov, before the conflict between the two countries occurred, the West had provoked “anti-Russian sentiment” to force Kiev “to make the wrong choice between the West and Moscow”. This leaves Russia with no choice but to independently recognize the breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine and launch a special military operation in the neighboring country.

The Russian foreign minister also said that by “doing everything” to prevent the ceasefire agreement, the US and the European Union (EU) want Ukraine to fight Russia to the end, and are completely indifferent to its fate. Ukraine as an independent actor in international relations.

“If the US and NATO are really interested in solving the crisis in Ukraine, they should first change their minds and stop supplying weapons and ammunition to Kiev,” Lavrov said, adding that Russia still wants to continue the rounds of peace talks, even though they “do not go smoothly”.

According to the Russian foreign minister, agreements can only be reached once the Kiev government begins to be guided by the interests of the Ukrainian people themselves, not “remote advisers”.

Many places in Russia and Ukraine were hit by shelling

Kharkiv province’s military government today (April 30) said that the city of Kharkiv was subjected to many Russian shelling.

“One person was killed and five injured due to enemy artillery and mortar attacks,” the Kharkiv provincial military government announced on Telegram.

On the same day, Alexander Bogomaz – Governor of Russia’s Bryansk province, said that the village of Zhecha in the Starodubsky district of this province was also hit by shelling, while Russian air defenses tried to intercept a plane from Ukraine that was trying to approach the area. this area.

According to Bogomaz, the attack occurred around 6:50 a.m. on April 30 (Russian time), targeting an oil reserve in Zhecha and some surrounding areas, but causing no casualties.

UK says Russia is redeploying units that fought in northeastern Ukraine

The British Ministry of Defense, citing intelligence, said that Russia was forced to consolidate and redeploy units that had fought and suffered many losses in northeastern Ukraine.

“There are still many shortcomings in the tactical coordination of the Russian army. A lack of unit-level skills and inconsistent air support have prevented Russia from reaching its full potential, despite local improvements,” the Ministry of Defense said in a statement. on Twitter.

“Russia hopes to overcome the problems that previously limited its military campaign by concentrating combat power geographically, shortening supply lines, and simplifying command and control. control,” the notice added.

Ukraine hunts down those who cooperate with Russia

According to the Al Jazeera news site, the Ukrainian government is stepping up the hunt for anyone suspected of aiding Russian forces.

According to a new law passed by Ukraine’s parliament after the conflict with Russia broke out, these subjects, if convicted, will face up to 15 years in prison for acts of cooperation or showing support. openly for Moscow. Oleksiy Danilov, head of Ukraine’s Security Council, did not disclose how many people are suspected of such crimes across the country.

Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation said it has handled more than 200 criminal cases related to acts of cooperation with Russia. Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky had announced the removal of two Ukrainian security generals from the military for “treason” for their alleged acts of collusion with Moscow.

In another development, speaking on national television today (April 30), Ukraine’s Deputy Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotskiy accused the Russian military of stealing “hundreds of thousands of tons of grain” from areas that were controlled by them. occupation inside Ukraine. Moscow has not yet responded to this allegation.

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