INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed Thursday that France tried to engage with Moscow in talks about the Ukraine war without the
participation of Kyiv."On several occasions, our French colleagues have appealed through confidential channels: 'Let us help, let's have a
dialogue on the Ukrainian question..
Without Ukraine," Lavrov said at a press conference, adding that Russian officials were "ready to listen."Lavrov did not specify when French
authorities made the alleged appeals.An anonymous diplomatic source in France disputed the Russian foreign minister's claim, telling AFP
responsibility.""As France has reiterated since the beginning of the war, it is up to Ukraine, the aggressed country, to define the time and
conditions under which they wish to enter into a negotiation process," the source said.After nearly three years of war, the possibility of
peace talks is being discussed as United States President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office next month
Trump has said he wants to end the fighting as soon as possible.France, meanwhile, has floated the idea of sending Western troops to Ukraine
to monitor a possible ceasefire agreement.
