Denies Targeting Operations In Ukraine To Be Completed On 'Victory Day', Russian Foreign Minister Says Prioritizing The Safety Of Civilians

JAKARTA - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with Mediaset Italia that Moscow would not set a timeframe for the military operation in Ukraine, including the goal of completing it on Victory Day.

Victory Day or Victory Day which is celebrated every May 9, is a moment where the Soviet Union, together with the Allies led by the United States and Britain, won the battle with Nazi Germany in World War II.

"Our forces will not artificially base their activities on specific dates, including Victory Day," he said in response to a question, TASS reported on May 2.

"We will solemnly celebrate May 9 as we always do," added Foreign Minister Lavrov.

He further explained that the speed of Russia's special military operations in Ukraine depends first and foremost on the need to reduce risks to civilians, as well as to Russian troops.

Foreign Minister Lavrov noted that the operation was primarily aimed at ensuring the safety of civilians, as well as the absence of threats from Ukraine to civilians and Russia, "which would be related to offensive weapons and the spread of Nazi ideas that the West is trying to belittle."

"I've seen the reports on NBC, I've read the National Interest magazine. Serious articles are starting to appear there warning not to play with the Nazis, as they did in 1935-1938," stressed Russia's top diplomat.