Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced Moscow is unaware of any security guarantees the US might grant Ukraine after the war. According to him, Russia would never agree to guarantees that preserve the Ukrainian government on part of its territory.
Lavrov referenced alleged 2022 security guarantees negotiated in Istanbul, which he claims were blocked by the West and former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Russia's stance has reportedly remained unchanged since then.
The commentary highlights that the so-called Russian peace plan aimed to avert new US sanctions rather than truly end the war. While negotiations continue, Russia’s position essentially demands Ukraine’s capitulation.
The analysis notes these talks help Russia avoid new Western sanctions, prevent the supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine, and influence decisions about frozen Russian assets in Europe.
Inviting President Zelensky to Moscow is interpreted as pressure on Ukraine to capitulate. The negotiation process, according to the author, has stagnated and aligns with Russia's ultimatums.