Lavrov: Security Talks Without Russia Are a “Dead End”

Russian Foreign Ministerwarns that efforts to discuss post-war security guarantees for Ukraine without Moscow are futile. He criticizes Western leaders’ approach and stresses Russia’s insistence on being directly involved in any agreements affecting European security

21.08.2025 19:30

World

Newsroom

Lavrov: Security Talks Without Russia Are a “Dead End”

21.08.2025 19:30

World

Newsroom

Russian Foreign Ministerwarns that efforts to discuss post-war security guarantees for Ukraine without Moscow are futile. He criticizes Western leaders’ approach and stresses Russia’s insistence on being directly involved in any agreements affecting European security

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called attempts to resolve security issues related to Ukraine without Russia a “dead end,” emphasizing that meaningful discussions cannot occur without Moscow’s involvement.

Lavrov’s comments come amid ongoing Western efforts to establish post-war security guarantees for Ukraine. Last Monday, European leaders met at the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss potential measures to help end the conflict.

Speaking after a meeting with Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Lavrov criticized these talks, saying: “We cannot agree that security issues, collective security, are being proposed to be resolved without the Russian Federation. This will not work.” He added that the West, particularly the United States, should recognize that serious security discussions without Russia are unrealistic.

In parallel, NATO military leaders held a virtual meeting to review the outcomes of recent talks on Ukraine, stressing that their priority remains a “fair, reliable, and lasting peace.” A smaller group of Western military officials continued discussions in Washington on security guarantees following the broader session.

Tensions remain high, as Poland recently reported that an object that crashed in eastern farmland was likely a Russian drone, prompting accusations that Russia is escalating pressure on NATO countries during ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Lavrov also criticized European leaders for what he described as “clumsy and aggressive” attempts to influence the U.S. position during their meeting with Trump and Zelensky, accusing them of failing to present constructive ideas.

Meanwhile, Russia continues military operations in Ukraine. Early Wednesday, Russian drone and missile strikes hit multiple cities in western Ukraine, injuring more than ten people and causing at least one death in Lviv. Ukraine reported that Russian forces deployed 574 drones and 40 missiles overnight, marking the highest number of attacks in a month. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly intercepted most of them, though strikes still affected 11 regions.

Lavrov reiterated Russia’s support for “truly reliable” security guarantees for Ukraine, suggesting a plan previously discussed in Istanbul in 2022. That plan would have included guarantees from the five permanent UN Security Council members—China, Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France—but Ukraine rejected the proposal at the time, fearing it would give Moscow veto power over any military response.