Russia frames demilitarization proposals as practical steps with potential military outcomes if ignored
The Russian foreign policy stance, as stated by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, treats Moscow’s suggestions to demilitarize regions under Ukrainian government control and to neutralize perceived security threats as clear, practical actions. Lavrov warned that if these proposals are not implemented to a high standard, the issue could be resolved through military means. Speaking in an interview with TASS, he stressed that Kyiv understands the steps Russia has proposed, yet the final result depends on how effectively they are carried out. He pointed out that only the way the measures are executed could alter the situation, otherwise the Russian military would determine the next moves.
When asked about possible negotiations on terms offered by Kyiv, Dmitry Peskov, the presidential press secretary, asserted that Moscow does not yield to others’ conditions. He reiterated Russia’s stance that any negotiation framework must align with Moscow’s own terms and expectations, rather than external demands.
Earlier, on February 24, President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would conduct a special military operation in Ukraine. The move was presented as a response to requests for assistance from leaders of the Luhansk People’s Republic and the Donetsk People’s Republic. The declaration provided a justification for subsequent sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies, who view the operation as a breach of sovereign borders and part of a broader effort to shape regional security dynamics. The announcements were disseminated by multiple media channels, including live coverage on social platforms. This sequence of events continues to drive ongoing international dialogue and realignments in security and diplomatic relations across the region, with updates and analysis continuing to emerge from major state and independent outlets [Source attribution: TASS; Reuters; other outlets as noted].