Putin expands Ukraine war goals, now firm on wanting to see the back of Zelensky

• The Russian government stated it wants to end Ukraine's 'unacceptable regime'. Russian FM expressed the Kremlin’s war aims in some of the bluntest terms yet. Lavrov suggested Moscow’s war aims extend beyond Ukraine’s Donbas region in the east. Last week, Lavrov warned Russia aims to retain control over areas beyond east Ukraine. Early in the war, Russia repeatedly stated it wasn't seeking to overthrow Zelensky Govt. Lavrov argued Russia was ready to negotiate a deal to end hostilities in March; But Kyiv changed tack & declared its intention to rout Russia on the battlefield. Sergey Lavrov also hit out at the west for 'encouraging Ukraine to keep fighting'.