Peace Talks with Russia: Only Acceptable Outcomes Will End Ukraine Conflict, Lavrov States

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Monday that Moscow is willing to engage in negotiations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, but emphasized that any cessation of hostilities would only occur if a peace agreement aligns with Russia’s interests.

During a speech in Turkey, marking three years since the conflict began, Lavrov asserted that Russia is in discussions with the United States regarding a peace settlement, while accusing European nations of attempting to extend the war.

He expressed Russia’s openness to negotiations with Ukraine, European nations, or «any representatives genuinely interested in contributing to peace efforts.»

«However, we will cease military actions only when these discussions yield a solid and sustainable outcome that meets the expectations of the Russian Federation,» Lavrov told reporters, standing beside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Additionally, Lavrov called on the United States to designate a representative for possible peace talks with Russia, referencing what he characterized as «constructive» conversations in Saudi Arabia last week involving U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials from the White House.

In a related development, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused European nations of hindering efforts to resolve the conflict, contrasting this with what he referred to as productive engagements with Washington.

«The Europeans persist on a downward spiral of sanctions and hold fast to the belief that the war should continue,» Peskov remarked following the announcement of a new wave of EU sanctions against Moscow.

«This mindset of the Europeans stands in stark contrast to the approach we are currently taking in negotiating a settlement on Ukraine with the Americans,» he added.