Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Western countries cannot indefinitely ignore Russia’s red lines and security warnings, emphasizing that Moscow will not accept temporary solutions or empty promises in resolving the Ukraine crisis.
Speaking at the 12th Primakov Readings Forum in Moscow, Lavrov addressed global politics and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
He argued that the West cannot continue to disregard threats to Russia’s national security and violations of the rights of Russian-speaking populations in the region, saying:
“Our adversaries cannot ignore our warnings indefinitely while assuming they will face no consequences.”
“The Ball Is Not in Our Court”
Lavrov stated that Russia is ready to return to the negotiating table at any moment regarding the Ukraine crisis, but stressed that there must be a “serious proposal” on the table. Criticizing what he described as Western insincerity, he used a football analogy:
“Speaking in the language of the World Cup currently taking place, the ball is not in our court. Moreover, they keep trying to pass the ball to us from an offside position. That game will not work. We remain open to a diplomatic solution, but we will no longer act based solely on anyone’s word. We are straightforward and sincere people. Perhaps they managed to deceive us in the past, but now we remain vigilant at all times and will not allow any trickery.”
Reminder of Alaska and the Istanbul Terms
Describing the European Union’s current stance on Ukraine as “lacking common sense,” Lavrov said that Russia remains open to constructive ideas.
The Russian minister stated that Moscow continues to adhere to the understandings reached during the summit in Alaska between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. He also noted that Washington has yet to provide an official response to the Ukraine proposal that was supported by Putin during those talks.
According to the report, Russia’s negotiation framework is based on the 2022 Istanbul agreements, the outcomes of the Anchorage discussions, military realities on the ground, and the principles outlined by Putin in 2024, including Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, as well as abandoning its NATO aspirations.
Lavrov further stressed that the Russian military would not halt operations along the front line while waiting for negotiations to begin.
“The West Cannot Accept Multipolarity”
Lavrov argued that Western countries are struggling to accept an emerging multipolar world order and continued his criticism of the United States and the United Kingdom under several headings:
Support from the UK and the U.S.
“The United Kingdom under Prime Minister Keir Starmer has done everything possible to encourage Ukraine to intensify terrorist activities. It would be impossible for Ukraine to carry out such actions without intelligence and targeting support from the United States and the United Kingdom.”
The Bucha Incident
“The Ukrainian authorities have still not provided Russia with a list of the individuals alleged to have died in Bucha.”
Russia–China Partnership
“The strong ties between Moscow and Beijing are among the most important factors in maintaining global stability.”
Lavrov also stated that Russia supports efforts to de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran and is prepared to act as a mediator if necessary.