Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Sunday said that Russia will respond in kind if frozen Russian assets are handed over to Kyiv. There is no legal way to seize frozen Russian assets, he added.

Noting that the US assured Russia that they would be able to ensure that Zelensky would not stand in the way of peace, the minister said, “Apparently, certain obstacles have arisen in this regard.”

On the New START Treaty, Lavrov said, “The constructive initiative put forward by President Putin in the post-New START sphere speaks for itself. It has no hidden agenda and is extremely easy to understand. We see no need for in-depth discussion of our idea,” he said, adding, “We are not going to persuade anyone.” (Agencies)