Ukraine negotiations: Lavrov emphasizes realism

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that the second round of negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv would definitely take place, though the exact date and location had not yet been determined. He made this statement during a conference on the “historical southern Russian territories.”

According to Interfax, Lavrov stated that Moscow continued to work on a draft memorandum for a peace agreement, and this work was at an advanced stage, at least on the Russian side.

Lavrov indicated that Russia would prepare the Ukraine memorandum based on “the most fundamental principles.”

The minister expressed his belief that the Vatican was “not a very suitable” choice for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, both of which are Orthodox countries.

Lavrov emphasized that the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be of “fundamental importance” in signing a peace agreement. However, he added that Moscow did not reject contacts with the Kyiv regime’s leader and administration.

Lavrov stated that holding elections in Ukraine would be “the most appropriate option” for resolving the question of who could sign a peace agreement on behalf of Kyiv.

The Russian Foreign Minister declared, “Russia will not allow Ukrainians to live under laws accepted by the ‘Zelenskyy junta.'”

Lavrov asserted, “It is useless to speak with Russia from a position of strength. They should remember how their ancestors tried to speak with Russia from a position of strength.”

Referring to the US position, Lavrov noted that Washington had clearly stated that the resolution of Ukraine’s “territorial issue” was inevitable.

Lavrov recalled that Ukraine hoped US support would be endless, but President Donald Trump approached the situation differently, repeatedly emphasizing that “this was not his war.”

The minister remarked, “It is very important not to indulge in illusions, to be realistic, and to understand that there have been numerous instances where the US position has radically changed.”

Lavrov also stated that EU countries had not once uttered the words “human rights” in connection with the events in Ukraine.

The first round of negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegations took place on May 16 in Istanbul. The Russian delegation was led by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky, and the Ukrainian delegation by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

Following the meeting, Medinsky announced that the parties had agreed on a prisoner exchange using the “1000 for 1000” formula.

Additionally, it was reported that Russia had noted Kyiv’s request for direct talks at the presidential level, and the delegations had agreed to present their visions for a “possible ceasefire.”

After the Istanbul talks, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that an agreement had been reached for a new meeting between the delegations.

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced on May 20 that Russia welcomed the efforts of international mediators in resolving the conflict, but the location for the next round of negotiations remained open.

On May 23, news reports indicated that the US had requested Russia not to include Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky and other representatives considered “hardliners” by the American side in the delegation for the next round of negotiations.