Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s stance on the Ukraine war, stressing that the conflict must be resolved by excluding “primary causes” and requiring Ukraine to disarm and abandon NATO ambitions.
Russia’s Stance
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s position that Ukraine’s independence is recognized but annexed territories are not to be returned. He stated the conflict should be resolved by excluding “primary causes,” implying Ukraine must be disarmed, denied NATO entry, and that the Russian Orthodox Church’s rights should be restored.
Lavrov also called for the Russian language to receive special status and for Kyiv to restore rights to the Russian Orthodox Church.
Russia on Meeting in Budapest
Lavrov said President Vladimir Putin is open to a meeting in Budapest but its outcome depends on former US president Donald Trump. He dismissed calls for an immediate ceasefire as a “money-grabbing attempt.”
The US president maintained that talks with Putin would only occur after ceasefire and peace negotiations are set.
Putin on Russia’s Successes
President Vladimir Putin continues to portray his army as victorious on the front. During a visit to a command post in Ukraine, he referenced recent nuclear triad exercises and asserted that Russia’s strategic forces can counter attacks on Russia and ally Belarus.
General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov reported the successful test of a Buran‑1 missile with a nuclear engine capable of 14,000‑kilometre range.
