FM Lavrov emphasizes Russia’s national interests in potential Ukraine negotiations

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has clarified Russia’s stance on potential negotiations with Ukraine, emphasizing that Moscow will act based on its national interests.

In an interview on Russian TV, Lavrov reiterated Russia’s openness to dialogue but highlighted the need for concrete proposals from Kyiv, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media sources.

Both the Russian Foreign Ministry and President Vladimir Putin have previously stated that Russia has not ruled out the possibility of negotiations with Ukraine, Lavrov pointed out. However, the minister stressed, "We need to see serious concrete proposals when they come to us. And, of course, we will make decisions on the reaction to these proposals, based on national interests, the goals of the special military operation, and the president's speech to the Foreign Ministry on 14 June this year."

Lavrov went on to note that, so far, no such proposals have been received from Kyiv, indicating that Russia is still waiting for Ukraine to take the first step in initiating serious negotiations.

On the issue of peace proposals, Lavrov made it clear that Russia’s position is grounded in international law. He said that Russia has never abandoned the idea of negotiations but needs "serious concrete proposals when they come to us."

Furthermore, Lavrov firmly rejected the idea of a temporary ceasefire, which has been suggested by some Western and Ukrainian officials. “A ceasefire will not suit us,” he asserted. "We need reliable, legally binding agreements," Lavrov explained that the call for a truce, in his view, would only provide Kyiv with an opportunity to regain its military potential with the help of the West, which is trying to achieve a strategic defeat of Russia.

The Russian foreign minister also expressed scepticism about any quick resolution to the Ukraine crisis, acknowledging that Moscow has "no illusions" about the difficulty of reaching a peaceful settlement. Lavrov’s comments echo previous statements where he warned that a difficult process lay ahead in settling the crisis, underscoring that the situation is far from being resolved soon.

Additionally, Lavrov pointed out the firm bipartisan consensus in the US government regarding continued support for Kyiv, particularly after the election of President Donald Trump. He noted that Moscow had no illusions about the West’s continued military and diplomatic backing of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

By Tamilla Hasanova