Lavrov Open to Meeting U.S. Secretary Rubio but Firm on Russia’s Ukraine Conditions

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he is ready to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the ongoing Ukraine war but emphasized that Moscow will not compromise on its core conditions for ending the conflict. His statement follows failed attempts by U.S. President Donald Trump to broker peace, including a canceled summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest last month.

Lavrov told RIA Novosti that he and Rubio recognize the importance of maintaining communication to discuss Ukraine and bilateral relations. He noted that both sides are willing to hold face-to-face meetings when necessary. Despite diplomatic exchanges, Russia remains steadfast in its stance that Ukraine must abandon its NATO membership ambitions and withdraw troops from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—regions Moscow claims as part of Russia.

Nearly four years after Russia’s invasion began, its forces now control about 19% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and much of eastern and southern Ukraine. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy acknowledged temporary de facto occupation of these areas, he firmly rejected any formal recognition of Russian control, insisting that surrendering territory would endanger Ukraine and its European allies.

Lavrov confirmed that Russia awaits U.S. confirmation that agreements from the August Anchorage summit—based on Putin’s earlier proposals—remain valid. He also reiterated that Russia views the territories of Crimea, Donbas, and Novorossiya as integral parts of its homeland.

Addressing European efforts to use €210 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine, Lavrov warned that such actions lack legal grounds and would provoke retaliation. He added that the U.S. had notified Moscow it is reviewing Putin’s proposal to extend New START arms control limitations beyond their 2026 expiration date.