Russian FM: Moscow sees possible shift in US approach to Ukraine war

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow believes the United States may once again alter its approach to efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

Speaking at a press conference, Lavrov said Russia had the impression that Washington's position on the crisis could be changing, similar to what occurred following talks in Anchorage, where, according to him, understandings had been reached between the two sides, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“We have the feeling that there may be another shift in the [U.S.] approach to resolving the crisis surrounding Ukraine, just as happened after the meeting in Anchorage, where understandings were reached,” Lavrov said.

He argued that previous agreements had been based on Russian President Vladimir Putin accepting proposals put forward by the American side, while noting that any future changes in U.S. policy could move “in either direction.”

Lavrov also said that no dates had been set for a potential visit to Russia by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to discuss a settlement of the conflict.

The Russian foreign minister added that he remains in contact with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and expressed surprise at Rubio’s recent comments suggesting that Washington could not act as a mediator in the conflict because of its support for Ukraine.

“Recently, my colleague Marco Rubio, speaking at a congressional hearing, said—to our surprise—that the U.S. cannot act as a mediator in Ukrainian affairs because the U.S. fully supports Ukraine,” Lavrov said.

He argued that the United States continues to back Kyiv through sanctions and military-related assistance programmes.

At the same time, Lavrov said Moscow appreciates what it sees as the current U.S. administration’s willingness to maintain dialogue despite disagreements between the two countries.

“Despite the fact that the U.S. wants to completely oust Russian companies from the global energy market—a goal they have openly declared—we nevertheless appreciate that the Trump administration, upon returning to the White House, has never denied the need for dialogue,” he said.

By Sabina Mammadli