Russia currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine.
In an interview with the Indonesian newspaper Kompas, Lavrov emphasized that lasting peace would only be possible if the occupied territories were recognized as Russian. He also called for a new system of mutual security guarantees based on an “equal security architecture in Eurasia.”
Lavrov also reiterated Russia's opposition to Ukraine joining NATO. According to Moscow, Kiev should achieve “neutrality, non-alignment, and a nuclear-free status.” Ukraine and NATO reject these demands, arguing that Russia has no veto over Ukraine's decisions regarding its alliances.
US President Donald Trump recently stated that he was “very disappointed” in Vladimir Putin. After his summit meeting with Putin in Alaska and talks with Zelensky, Trump expected a direct meeting between the two presidents. Zelensky accuses Moscow of deliberately blocking this. Russia, on the other hand, claims that the agenda for the meeting has not yet been agreed upon.
Lavrov confirmed that the delegations remain in direct contact.
(reuters)