Russia’s foreign policy chief, Sergei Lavrov, suggested that several senior Western leaders have signaled a desire to begin negotiations about Ukraine and European security. The remarks, reported by RIA Novosti, indicate that while Lavrov did not name specific figures, he described through a Moscow colleague that at least three prominent Western policymakers have sent signals via multiple channels proposing meetings to discuss Ukraine and broader European security arrangements.
Lavrov emphasized that he would not disclose identities, noting only that these signals came from well-known figures who hold direct line of communication with Russian counterparts. The exchange, Lavrov said, has occurred on three separate occasions, underscoring the potential for dialogue while leaving the question of timing and format unresolved.
In related comments, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov argued against treating voices from the United States advocating a peaceful strategy for Ukraine as credible without first acknowledging the broader anti-Russian posture that many analysts say still dominates Western policy on Kyiv. He urged caution about optimistic interpretations that fail to reckon with the larger strategic context.
French political figures weighed in as well. Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, a member of the National Assembly and leader of the Arise, France movement, called on the European Union to articulate a clear commitment to a peaceful resolution in Ukraine. He framed this approach as a priority, even as discussions about Ukraine’s potential accession to the EU remained a secondary issue in his view.
Earlier statements from Lavrov warned about the risks of delaying peace negotiations in Ukraine, a stance that reflects Moscow’s emphasis on urgency and a preference for talks conducted without preconditions. The dialogue surrounding Ukraine continues to feature a mix of public diplomacy, behind-the-scenes diplomacy, and ongoing political maneuvering as central actors seek pathways to de-escalation while balancing security concerns, regional stability, and the broader dimensions of European security architecture.