Russian FM vehemently denies Bucha massacre; claims 'provocative attempt to derail talks'

Amid mounting global condemnation over Bucha civilian massacre and growing call for Russian accountability for grave war crimes by Ukraine and its Western allies, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov continues to vehemently deny charges. 

While speaking on issue, which was presented at  United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, Lavrov alleged that "Ukraine and West are trying to derail ongoing peace negotiations by making such ‘provocative allegations against Moscow." 

'Attempt to derail talks'

Russian Minister, who h previously deemed Bucha genocide ‘staged’ and ‘a false flag attempt to malign Russian troops,’ went on to d that fresh barrage of accusations levelled against Kremlin is ‘motivated by desire of derailing talks.’

“What is reason behind this blatant, deceitful provocation, veracity of which is simply impossible to justify?  We tend to think that reason is motivated by desire to find an excuse to derail ongoing negotiations,” Lavrov stated during an dress.

“And it was done at very moment when re appeared a gentle glimmer of hope. In Istanbul on March 29, for first time in course of negotiations between our delegations, Ukrainian side h put forward a written version of treaty regarding status of Ukraine and security guarantees to Russia. However, post that, after three days of our military withdrawal from city of Bucha. visuals of attack came up that are provocative and staged,” Russian FM, ded while supporting its argument.

India demands 'independent probe' of Bucha killings

Lavrov's remarks come a day after UNSC meeting on Bucha genocide, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented opening remarks and blamed Russian armed forces for committing inhumane war crimes in norrn city situated on outskirts of Kyiv.

Following Zelenskyy, member nations also presented ir concerns regarding brutal genocide of civilians. For first time, India h responded sternly to ongoing war and ‘unequivocally condemned’ mass civilian slayings in Bucha. Citing ‘deep concerns’ on ‘dire humanitarian situation' in Ukraine, India re-iterated its vocacy for dialogue and diplomacy for ending war. While avoiding naming Russia, India demanded an ‘independent probe’ in matter

Notably, Sergey Lavrov on Monday h demanded UNSC meeting, citing ‘crude forgery’ of Bucha killings. However, Russia’s demand was rejected by UK, which is holding presidency this month. UK later explained that UN gave Moscow notice stating a meeting could go forward, but it me logic to do this alongside session alrey scheduled for Tuesday.