Official statements from the Russian government or credible international news agencies

Lavrov: No Easy Resolution to Ukraine Crisis; Russia Open to Serious Negotiations Amid Trump's Presidency

Dec 25, 2024, 10:34 AM

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that an easy resolution to the Ukraine crisis is unlikely, emphasizing that Russia does not expect changes simply due to Donald Trump's presidency. He reiterated that Moscow remains open to negotiations but requires serious and concrete proposals. Lavrov clarified that President Putin's peace proposals are not preliminary conditions for dialogue and that Russia is not setting conditions for a settlement but insists on adherence to previously agreed terms. He also expressed skepticism about the notion that Trump's potential return to power would facilitate negotiations, asserting that Russia has no illusions regarding the situation. Additionally, Lavrov warned against testing Russia's patience concerning nuclear weapons, indicating that while Moscow does not wish to escalate discussions about nuclear risks, it expects respect for its stance.