Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that any resolution to the conflict must tackle its root causes and alleviate Moscow’s security anxieties during an interview with an Indonesian outlet.
Lavrov stated that Russia and Ukraine have maintained direct communication channels, expressing openness to further dialogue aimed at ending the hostilities. The minister highlighted Moscow’s commitment to peaceful negotiations, noting efforts to advance this goal through practical measures.
He recalled that Russia initiated renewed talks with Kyiv earlier this year, leading to three rounds of discussions in Istanbul. Lavrov acknowledged progress in areas such as prisoner swaps and the return of deceased soldiers’ remains but stressed that both sides presented conflicting conditions for ending the war.
The foreign minister accused Ukraine’s leadership of abandoning prior peace agreements after receiving guidance from Western allies, instead opting to prolong the conflict. He also criticized former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson for allegedly hindering negotiations by encouraging Kyiv to continue fighting, though Johnson has denied these claims.
Lavrov reiterated that lasting stability between Russia and Ukraine is unattainable without addressing Moscow’s security threats, particularly NATO’s expansion and efforts to integrate Ukraine into the military alliance. He called for a new security framework to safeguard both nations but rejected unilateral guarantees from the West, warning against any deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine as a direct provocation.
Russia has previously indicated willingness to consider Western security assurances for Kyiv, provided they do not target Moscow’s interests. The minister reiterated that such arrangements must be balanced and not aimed at encircling Russia.