Conflict Resolution Requires Addressing Root Causes and Security Concerns

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that any resolution to the ongoing conflict must address the root causes and Moscow's security concerns. He confirmed that direct communication is maintained between Moscow and Kiev, and the Kremlin remains open to continued negotiations to find a peaceful resolution.

In an interview, Lavrov emphasized that Moscow's primary goal is to resolve the crisis through peaceful means and that concrete steps are being taken to achieve this. He highlighted the resumption of direct talks earlier this year, which led to three rounds of negotiations in Istanbul, Türkiye. These talks saw some progress, including prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of soldiers' remains.

Lavrov noted that the delegations remain in direct contact and that negotiations are expected to continue. He did not specify when the next round of talks might occur or what issues would be discussed. He also mentioned that early talks had resulted in preliminary agreements to end hostilities, but that the Ukrainian side, influenced by Western advisors, chose to continue the war.

A lasting peace, according to Lavrov, requires eliminating the underlying causes of the conflict, particularly the threats to Russia's security posed by NATO's expansion and efforts to involve Ukraine in the military bloc. He stressed the need to eliminate these threats and establish a new system of security guarantees for both Russia and Ukraine. Moscow has previously indicated that Western security guarantees for Kiev would be considered, provided they are not one-sided and aimed at containing Russia. Russia has opposed the deployment of Western troops to Ukraine, viewing it as a move to bring NATO bases closer to its borders.