Russian FM Lavrov discusses potential peace talks with Ukraine

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia is prepared to return to “Istanbul principles” for resolving the conflict with Ukraine based on new realities.

He emphasized that Russia opposes Ukraine’s NATO membership and insists on maintaining Ukraine’s non-aligned status as a fundamental issue.

Lavrov mentioned that while Russia is open to negotiations, it believes the West wants to prolong the conflict and has been pushing Ukraine away from peace talks.

He noted that recent developments on the battlefield need to be taken into account.

Russian President Vladimir Putin previously claimed that an agreement was reached during the Istanbul talks, mediated by Türkiye, but that the U.K. persuaded Ukraine to abandon the agreement.