Russia's Lavrov urges U.S. restraint to avoid escalation in Ukraine

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has urged the U.S. to avoid actions that could intensify the war in Ukraine, citing President Donald Trump’s past support for dialogue.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was counting on Washington to act with “common sense” and not escalate the conflict in Ukraine. His remarks were published by Russian state news agency TASS late on Wednesday, citing an unpublished interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

“We are counting on common sense and that the maintaining of that position will prevail in Washington and that they will refrain from actions that could escalate the conflict to a new level,” Lavrov said.

He praised U.S. President Donald Trump for previously advocating direct talks with Russia and for “demonstrating a commitment to finding a sustainable peaceful solution.” Trump has backed an immediate ceasefire with troops holding current positions, while Russia has called for Kyiv to surrender additional territory.

Lavrov said Trump had acknowledged NATO’s expansion and its military infrastructure near Russia’s borders as a key driver behind Moscow’s actions — a point Russia has raised for two decades.

Trump and President Vladimir Putin held talks in Alaska in August. Lavrov also spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 20 October about a potential summit, though Trump later cancelled it.

Lavrov also accused European countries of undermining peace efforts, claiming they were “sabotaging all peacemaking efforts” and preparing for a wider war with Russia.

The European Union last month approved a 19th sanctions package against Moscow and is discussing how to raise further support for Ukraine, potentially through borrowing or using frozen Russian assets.

European leaders have accused Moscow of waging “hybrid warfare” and have pledged to respond with coordinated measures.

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