A meeting followed between Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. After the talks, Lavrov signaled that Moscow would permit resumed discussions with Kyiv on a broader set of topics, though he noted that the decision itself rests outside Russia’s hands. He pointed out that Ukrainian authorities, from the president to a wide circle of advisers, have repeatedly asserted that negotiations cannot move forward until Kyiv defeats Moscow on the battlefield. Lavrov also argued that Kyiv enjoys considerable backing from its Western partners, particularly the United States, the United Kingdom, and European Union members, who influence Ukraine’s stance. He warned that insisting Ukraine fight to the end will only prolong suffering for the Ukrainian people and jeopardize the state itself, as Moscow maintains its line on what it calls a necessary end to the conflict. (Source: meeting with Egyptian officials)
Peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv halted in May at Kyiv’s initiative. Kyiv has maintained that negotiations remain impossible until Russia is defeated on the ground, a stance reiterated by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in July. (Source: Ukrainian government statements)
Solving the food problem
In July, discussions involving Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the United Nations focused on grain exports from Ukrainian ports. A memorandum was signed on July 22 in Istanbul, with Ukrainian and Russian delegations signing in separate ceremonies. Lavrov stated that the talks in Istanbul pressed for handling export issues in a coordinated package, addressing both sides. He outlined a plan to establish a coordination center in Istanbul to manage Ukrainian grain exports, ensuring safe passage through sea routes with security guarantees from Russian and Turkish naval forces. He also noted that the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had committed to easing restrictions affecting the movement of Russian grain, including insurance and port access worldwide. (Source: Istanbul negotiations)
Lavrov expressed hope that the UN, under the product agreement framework, would secure the removal of sanctions that hinder Russian grain operations, including insurance coverage and calls to foreign ports. He stressed that, regardless of sanctions, Moscow expected practical fulfillment of contracts with Egyptian counterparts. (Source: official Russian statement)
The Ukrainian side and Russian side both pledged to implement agreements reached during these discussions, with Moscow aiming to fulfill obligations under contracts while coordinating with Egypt on related trade matters. (Source: Russian-Egyptian coordination)
Russia does not want sanctions lifted
Lavrov asserted that Moscow does not seek a relaxation of Western sanctions. He emphasized that Russia would strengthen its economy by fostering partnerships with reliable partners rather than those that have shown a willingness to withdraw from negotiations. He suggested that Western policymakers should remove barriers affecting food imports if they truly care about the situation. He noted that Western officials had repeatedly claimed there were no sanctions on food and fertilizers, but pointed out that stress on insurance and port access often accompanied such statements. (Source: Lavrov remarks)
Lavrov also commented on Western reactions to Moscow’s stance, reaffirming that the policy focus remains on protecting Russia’s economic interests amid ongoing global tensions. (Source: Russian foreign ministry briefing)
Photo ban with Russian diplomats
The Russian foreign minister criticized what he described as an obsession in Western capitals with restricting photography with Russian officials. He referred to a protocol circulated among Arab diplomatic missions, which reportedly urged Western ambassadors to condemn any actions by Russia and to avoid signing documents or taking photos with Russian representatives. Lavrov quipped that this was an overbearing preoccupation with imagery. He also recalled remarks by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock regarding the presence of Turkish President Erdogan in a joint photo with Russian and Iranian leaders after a Tehran meeting, calling the comments a far-reaching shift in diplomacy. (Source: Lavrov remarks)
The visit to Egypt marks the first leg of Lavrov’s broader tour across Africa, with planned stops in Ethiopia, Uganda, and the Republic of the Congo from July 24 to 27. (Source: Russian Foreign Ministry)