Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said reaching a peace agreement with the United States over the war in Ukraine remains difficult, as Moscow stands firm on its demands and vows never to return to economic dependence on the West.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said reaching agreement with the United States on key aspects of a potential peace deal to end the war in Ukraine remains difficult, though discussions are ongoing.
"It is not easy to agree on the key components of a settlement. They are being discussed," Lavrov told Kommersant in an interview published Tuesday, when asked if Moscow and Washington had found common ground on any part of a possible deal.
He added that Russia recognizes what a mutually acceptable agreement would entail but remains wary of any proposal that could put the country at a strategic disadvantage. “We are well aware of what a mutually beneficial deal looks like, which we have never rejected, and what a deal looks like that could lead us into another trap,” Lavrov said.
The Kremlin noted over the weekend that it is still too early to expect significant outcomes from efforts to restore more stable relations with Washington.
Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s position as outlined by President Vladimir Putin in June 2024: that Ukraine must renounce its aspirations to join NATO and withdraw from all four regions that Moscow claims as Russian territory. “We’re talking about the rights of the people who live on these lands. That is why these lands are dear to us. And we cannot give them up, allowing people to be kicked out of there,” he stated.
Russia currently controls just under 20% of Ukraine, including Crimea—annexed in 2014—and parts of four additional regions it claims as its own, although these claims are not internationally recognized.
Lavrov also praised U.S. President Donald Trump for what he described as “common sense,” particularly for acknowledging that Western support for Ukraine’s NATO ambitions contributed to the outbreak of war.
However, Lavrov made it clear that Russia’s leadership would not accept any return to economic or technological dependence on the West. He said the globalized economy has been undermined by sanctions imposed by the administration of President Joe Biden, which have targeted Russia, China, and Iran.
While Western leaders continue to condemn Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine as an unjustified aggression and have vowed continued support for Kyiv, Moscow sees the conflict as part of a broader confrontation with the West. President Putin has long argued that NATO’s expansion and Western encroachment on Russia’s sphere of influence are at the root of the ongoing war.
U.S. and Pakistani leaders forecast a Sunday signing of a long-elusive framework agreement to end fighting between the United States and Iran, as Reut...
Tajikistan has strengthened its position as one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and D...
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 to close out the series 4-1 and claim their first NBA championship since 1973, sparking celeb...
In the runup to the G7 summit, hosted by France in Évian-les-Bains on Monday, 15 June, China has addressed global economic balances in a videoconfer...
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stabilit...
Tajikistan has strengthened its position as one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the trend is supported by investment activity, industrial expansion and large-scale infrastructure projects.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Georgia to implement reforms to tackle youth unemployment. Nearly 30 per cent of people aged 15-24 are without a job in the country, according to World Bank data.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to publish the UK government's long-awaited Defence Investment Plan ahead of next month's NATO summit in Ankara, following growing pressure over the UK's military spending commitments.
Hundreds of protesters have torn down fences surrounding a planned luxury development site in Albania, as public anger continues to mount over construction in environmentally sensitive areas.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
SpaceX made a historic entrance into the Nasdaq on Friday, surging over 20% in its first day of trading and lifting its valuation to more than $2 trillion. Investors flocked to the world’s largest IPO, betting on Elon Musk’s sprawling empire spanning rockets, AI and beyond.
Armenia has every right to choose Europe. But Europe’s support for Armenia’s direction should not become automatic approval of its political process.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Japan’s birth rate and fertility levels have fallen to their lowest levels on record, highlighting the country’s worsening demographic crisis as fewer people marry and have children.
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 to close out the series 4-1 and claim their first NBA championship since 1973, sparking celebrations across New York City.
In the runup to the G7 summit, hosted by France in Évian-les-Bains on Monday, 15 June, China has addressed global economic balances in a videoconference hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. It is a rarity for Beijing to engage directly with the group.
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stability and the country's ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
Romania's centrist President Nicușor Dan on Sunday designated Adrian Veștea, a member of the liberal party, as prime minister, after independent candidate Eugen Tomac withdrew.
North Korea said on Sunday, 14 June, that denuclearisation is a matter that is irreversibly terminated, in a condemnation of recent nuclear deterrence talks between the U.S. and South Korea.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment