Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has issued a stark warning to Western powers, declaring that Moscow will reject any Ukraine peace proposal that deviates from the foundational principles established in earlier talks with the United States.
Lavrov's Firm Stand on Peace Negotiations
During a recent address in Moscow, Lavrov emphasized that Russia would not accept peace terms that undermine the "letter and spirit" of the Anchorage understandings reached with American officials earlier this year. These bilateral discussions between Moscow and Washington had established what Russia considers essential parameters for resolving the conflict.
The Russian diplomat revealed that former President Donald Trump's draft peace plan, while still unofficial and circulating privately, appears to be grounded in these same Anchorage principles. However, Lavrov expressed serious concerns about Western attempts to reshape the proposal through what he described as political pressure and strategic leaks to media outlets.
European "Megaphone Diplomacy" Under Fire
Lavrov specifically criticized European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, for engaging in what he termed "megaphone diplomacy" that undermines serious negotiation efforts. He accused European powers of having "missed their chances" to contribute meaningfully to peace talks.
The veteran Russian diplomat pointed to historical precedents where Western powers allegedly failed to honor previous agreements, specifically mentioning the Minsk and Istanbul accords. According to Lavrov, these past experiences have made Moscow particularly wary of European involvement in the current peace process.
Moscow's Expectations from Washington
Lavrov made it clear that the Kremlin expects the United States to deliver a peace proposal that remains faithful to the original Anchorage understandings. He insisted that Washington should formally transmit the proposal without alterations resulting from European pressure or political considerations.
The Russian position emphasizes bilateral channels with the United States as the primary mechanism for peace negotiations, potentially sidelining European powers who have been major supporters of Ukraine throughout the conflict. This stance reflects Moscow's apparent preference for dealing directly with Washington on major geopolitical matters.
The timing of Lavrov's statement suggests Russia is positioning itself ahead of anticipated formal peace talks, establishing clear red lines about what terms it will consider acceptable. The reference to Trump's draft plan indicates that backchannel communications between Russian and American representatives have been ongoing despite the public tensions between the two nations.
