Kremlin says it is open to talks with Ukraine — Under conditions
Photo: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (GettyImages)
Russia is not refusing talks with Ukraine but insists on its own conditions. Any contacts involving heads of state must be "prepared with maximum care," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, as quoted by RIA Novosti.
In an interview with the TV channel Rossiya 24, Lavrov said that Moscow "is not refusing" any format of work on a Ukrainian settlement — "neither bilateral nor trilateral."
At the same time, he stressed that any contacts involving top leaders must be "prepared with maximum care."
Lavrov added that without "respect for Russia’s security" and recognition of the "rights of Russians in Ukraine," no long-term agreements are possible.
Trilateral meeting of Zelenskyy, Trump, and Putin
As a reminder, on August 18 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump, after which European leaders also joined the discussions.
European diplomats are currently considering several possible venues for a potential summit.
Zelenskyy has stated his readiness to take part in a trilateral format in any configuration, if such a meeting takes place. Moscow, however, has not yet given a clear answer regarding participation at the highest level.
Meanwhile, the United States and the European Union are working on security guarantees for Kyiv. These are aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities without imposing additional restrictions.
