Lavrov: Russia holds the strategic initiative in Ukraine and the West understands this

The West understands that Russia holds the strategic initiative in Ukraine, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

In an interview with the "Novosti" agency he said that Western countries must recognize the territorial realities there.

According to him, finding a peaceful solution requires ending Kiev's accession to NATO, along with demilitarization and denazification of the country.

The minister also pointed out that the United States adheres to a position close to Russia, that Volodymyr Zelensky's mandate expired last year.

Sergey Lavrov believes that holding elections is a condition for the Ukrainian authorities to receive a mandate to conclude a peace agreement, and Ukrainian citizens living in Russia should also participate in the vote.