Russia signals a readiness to pursue a diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, arguing that the conflict can end only if its root causes are addressed. In official statements, Moscow maintains that a political solution remains possible, but it must tackle the underlying drivers of the war rather than rely on a temporary pause in fighting. The emphasis is on a final end to the confrontation, not a mere cessation of hostilities that leaves the same structural problems in place. This approach reflects Moscow’s view that the crisis stems from deeper security and political dynamics in the region, and any lasting settlement would need to acknowledge and resolve those dimensions directly.
Lavrov stressed that the Russian position on the issue is well known and has not changed. He argued that a credible political-diplomatic process should eliminate the root causes, and this task goes beyond achieving a ceasefire. The aim is to end the conflict entirely, creating a framework in which guarantees and assurances address the security concerns that have driven the confrontation from the start.
According to Lavrov, Ukraine should return to a neutral, non-aligned status, preserve the Russian language among its diverse communities, and guarantee the rights and freedoms of all citizens. He described these conditions as foundational to a stable domestic order and a sustainable regional security architecture, arguing that such commitments would allow people from all backgrounds to participate in public life without fear or coercion. In his view, these steps would lay the groundwork for an inclusive political settlement rather than a victory for any single faction.
Lavrov noted that the solution could draw on the Istanbul Agreements, which were initialed by the Russian and Ukrainian delegations on March 29, 2022. The arrangements were designed to avert further escalation by acknowledging the realities on the ground at that time and by pledging security guarantees for Ukraine while confirming Ukraine’s non-alignment and its decision not to join NATO. He emphasized that the situation on the ground, as well as legal conditions, has evolved since then, requiring careful consideration of how such provisions could be adapted in a new framework for talks.
Lavrov recalled that more than two years have passed, and the surrounding facts and legal conditions have changed significantly. He argued that the evolving landscape must be reflected in any renewed negotiations and that this shift underscores the need for a flexible, fact-based approach to diplomacy. The changes he cited include shifting security realities, reassessments of commitments, and the broader geopolitical context that shapes how both sides view potential concessions and guarantees.
On June 14, President Vladimir Putin presented a real proposal for the final completion of the NWO. He said that for peace negotiations to begin, Ukrainian troops must withdraw completely from the DPR, LPR, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, Kyiv must abandon plans to join NATO, and must abandon plans to place nuclear weapons on Ukrainian territory. The president framed these measures as essential preconditions for dialogue and for constructing a security architecture that would address the concerns raised by Moscow.
Earlier Lavrov commented on Russia’s attitude toward the US elections, signaling that Moscow follows Western electoral dynamics with interest and that these developments influence how diplomacy is conducted with Kyiv and its allies. The remarks reflect a broader pattern in which Russia tries to link domestic security considerations to the broader geopolitics of the region and to the decisions of Western capitals regarding Ukraine.