Russia open to Ukraine compromises if interests respected
Foreign Minister Lavrov states Russia is prepared to negotiate compromises on Ukraine provided its fundamental interests are acknowledged
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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Russia is willing to negotiate with Ukraine, contingent upon respect for Russia's key interests. Speaking on Channel One, Lavrov emphasized President Putin's belief that sustainable agreements require mutual compromise.
Russia's core concerns include protecting Russian-speaking populations in Ukraine, preventing Ukraine's NATO membership, and establishing new territorial boundaries. Lavrov strongly criticized Ukrainian legislation restricting Russian language use, describing such measures as deeply offensive.
While suggesting diplomatic negotiations remain viable, he provided no specifics regarding potential Russian concessions. Direct Russian-Ukrainian talks resumed this year but have yielded limited progress. Lavrov also addressed US relations, contrasting Trump's diplomatic approach with Biden's sanctions-focused strategy.
He praised Trump's efforts to revive Russian dialogue, which allegedly stalled under Biden's administration. Despite a recent Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska being characterized positively, immediate tension resolution wasn't achieved. Russia maintains its position of seeking diplomatic resolution while preserving strategic interests.