Russia signals readiness for disproportionate response and discusses Ukraine mediation

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that Moscow is prepared to respond to hostile actions against it, including through disproportionate measures, to protect its national interests. In an article regarding international cooperation in the Arctic, Lavrov emphasized Russia's leadership in the region, noting that climate change and melting ice are increasing the strategic importance of Arctic shipping routes and resources.

Separately, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that Russia remains open to reviving negotiations with Ukraine via Turkish mediation, though the necessary conditions for meaningful results are not currently met. Peskov addressed reports of a potential trilateral summit involving Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Donald Trump, noting that Russia would only participate if such a meeting is intended to formalize previously reached agreements rather than to begin negotiations from scratch.

These statements follow reports of a visit to Moscow by CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who reportedly proposed the trilateral summit as a means to break the current diplomatic deadlock.