Lavrov says Europe, Kiev ‘undermining’ US peace initiative on Ukraine
The Russian FM declared that a viable peace framework was derailed by Kiev and Europe's alterations
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared that European nations and Ukraine are attempting to sabotage and undermine US-led peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, speaking in an interview with the Empatia Manuchi online project on 11 February.
During an interview, Lavrov pointed at western European powers for derailing diplomatic progress achieved during the US–Russia Alaska talks in August 2025, saying, “All subsequent versions reflected attempts by Volodymyr Zelensky and, principally, his patrons in Britain, Germany, France, and the Baltic states to rape this American initiative.”
The minister described the Anchorage summit as having produced meaningful diplomatic groundwork in which the two sides had “charted a viable path to peace,” arguing that the “framework made it entirely feasible to swiftly finalize a comprehensive settlement agreement.”
He said the undermining occurred through repeated revisions of the original Anchorage agreement, with each new version incorporating changes that shifted the framework away from the balanced US–Russia accord to suit Ukrainian and European agendas.
Moscow has not received the latest iteration of the proposal from the summit, Lavrov noted, saying, "They are referring to a twenty-point ‘document’ that has never been officially or unofficially shared with us. Only fragments of it have appeared in the media.”
While emphasizing Moscow's willingness to negotiate, Lavrov drew firm boundaries, saying Russia remains open to finding middle ground but only when all parties' core concerns are respected.
“We are always prepared to compromise, or more simply, to balance interests. The crucial point is that the legitimate interests of each state must be taken into account,” he stated.
However, fundamental security requirements remain non-negotiable, particularly when “the lives of millions hang in the balance.”
Lavrov dismissed western security proposals for Ukraine as one-sided arrangements designed to threaten Russia rather than establish mutual protections. He warned that such guarantees would trigger automatic war with Russia, stating, “Any incident deemed unacceptable would supposedly serve as a trigger for such a war. And the capacity of Zelensky and his clowns to provoke such incidents is beyond comprehension.”
Regarding recent trilateral discussions held in Abu Dhabi between Russia, the US, and Ukraine, Lavrov confirmed Moscow's position on core demands – including security requirements and military operation objectives – remains unchanged and “not open to opportunistic compromise.”
The minister maintained diplomatic silence on specific outcomes from the talks.
Russia has also resumed technical-level contacts with France in recent weeks, as French President Emmanuel Macron calls on European leaders to restore direct communication channels with Moscow rather than rely exclusively on US-led diplomacy.
Lavrov's comments come after the European Commission unveiled its 20th sanctions packageagainst Russia on 6 February, targeting energy, finance, and trade, including a full ban on maritime services used to transport Russian crude oil.
The package, set to take effect on 24 February, also expands restrictions on vessels linked to the so-called Russian “shadow fleet,” tightens banking measures, and broadens export and import bans.
The announcement followed a second round of US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi on 5 February between Russian, Ukrainian, and US delegations, which resulted in an agreement to exchange 314 prisoners of war and resume negotiations, with both sides describing the discussions as constructive.
Despite the ongoing negotiations and Russia’s stated readiness to pursue a diplomatic settlement, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen claims the new sanctions are meant to intensify economic pressure on Moscow, arguing that Russia would engage in negotiations “if it is pressured to do so,” and describing sanctions as “the only language Russia understands.”