Lavrov says Ukraine peace talks remain uncertain as Kremlin stresses battlefield over diplomacy

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters that it is "difficult even to comment on the prospects for negotiations" on a peace settlement in Ukraine, emphasizing that the outcome depends on the actions of Russian forces on the front rather than diplomatic talks. He noted that Moscow is focused on military operations and downplayed the impact of current diplomatic initiatives.

Lavrov also reacted to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's public letter to Vladimir Putin, which proposed a direct meeting in a neutral country and a temporary cease‑fire. Lavrov described the publicizing of the letter as evidence that Kyiv is more concerned with public relations than genuine dialogue, calling such conduct "undignified". The Kremlin, through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, rejected the cease‑fire proposal backed by Europe and accused Western leaders of hypocrisy.

In addition, Lavrov expressed concern over U.S. Secretary of State remarks, stating that the United States cannot act as a mediator because of its support for Ukraine. He affirmed that Russia is ready for "honest" negotiations without deception, while reiterating that any progress depends on battlefield developments.