Lavrov claims Russia interested in ending war "as soon as possible"

That’s according to a statement the top diplomat made during his Brazil visit, Ukrinform reports, referring to CNN.

It is noted that Lavrov also thanked his Brazilian colleagues for the “excellent understanding” of the situation in Ukraine, adding that Russia is grateful for Brazil’s “desire to contribute” to the search for solutions.

Brazil’s foreign minister Mauro Vieira called for creating a group of nations to serve as mediators in talks between Russia and Ukraine.

“I reiterated Brazil’s stance in contributing to a peaceful solution to the conflict, reminding President Lula’s manifestations in seeking the formation of a group of friendly countries to mediate the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine,” Vieira said.

Vieira also criticized Russia sanctions, claiming they do harm to global economy, especially in underdeveloped economies, many of which have not yet fully recovered from the pandemic.

As reported, Brazilian President Lula da Silva called on the world to create an analog of the G20 to end the Russo-Ukrainian war in order to save the world economy. He also called on the U.S. to stop "encouraging war" in Ukraine.

Earlier, Lula da Silva offered Ukraine to cede Crimea to Russia to end the war. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine responded that Ukraine does not sell off its territories and neither does it see any reason to cede even a centimeter of Ukrainian land.