In an interview with TASS, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov delved into the complex dynamics of the Ukraine conflict, the prospects for U.S.-Russia relations, and key flashpoints in the Middle East and Asia. Lavrov began by addressing whether diplomatic negotiations on Ukraine might resume after Donald Trump’s inauguration as U.S. President in January 2025. “We have not received any official signals regarding a settlement in Ukraine,” Lavrov said. He stressed that until January 20, policy decisions rest solely with the current Biden administration. “So far, only the Biden administration has the authority to establish contacts with Russia on behalf of the United States,” he added, noting that occasional interactions with the U.S. have been unrelated to Ukraine and have not pointed to any imminent dialogue.
Lavrov criticized ideas reportedly circulating within Trump’s team, such as a 20-year delay on Ukraine’s NATO membership and the deployment of European peacekeepers, calling them unacceptable. “We are not happy, of course, with the proposals made by members of the Trump team to postpone Ukraine’s admission to NATO for 20 years and to station British and European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine,” he remarked. He reiterated Moscow’s consistent readiness for talks but emphasized that the terms and interlocutors must be credible: “It is important to understand who we can talk with and what we will discuss. These are not rhetorical questions.”
On the potential for renewed relations with the United States, Lavrov expressed skepticism. “Even if Trump tries to relaunch bilateral ties, he will have to swim against the stream, considering the current bipartisan consensus on the policy of deterring Russia,” Lavrov said. He pointed out that this challenge would be compounded by U.S. doctrinal frameworks that define Russia as an adversary. “If the Americans respect our interests, our dialogue will be gradually renewed. If not, everything will remain as it is,” he concluded.
Regarding Ukraine’s military strategy, Lavrov dismissed Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent acknowledgment of difficulties in reclaiming lost territories as insincere. “We trust facts, not statements, especially when it comes to the Kiev regime,” Lavrov said. He criticized Kyiv’s continued adherence to its “Zelensky formula” for resolving the conflict, which he described as an ultimatum to Russia. “I have explained many times that Russia does not intend to take part in this would-be peace summit, even if we do get an invitation,” Lavrov added, highlighting Russia’s disinterest in forums that ignore its fundamental security concerns.
Lavrov also addressed NATO’s role in escalating tensions, accusing the alliance of pursuing expansionist policies that have destabilized the region. “As far as we can judge, there is a lack of unity among NATO members on this matter,” Lavrov noted. He underscored that NATO’s growth was “one of the primary causes of the Ukraine crisis,” reiterating that Ukraine’s neutral and non-aligned status remains a key objective of Russia’s military operation.
Turning to the Middle East, Lavrov attributed much of the region’s instability to Western interference. “Washington, which has effectively occupied the resource-rich north-eastern part of Syria and is putting serious sanctions pressure on Damascus together with a coalition of its satellites, bears a great deal of blame for this,” he said. He pointed to U.S. sanctions and resource control as major factors fueling unrest, forcing the Syrian government to adopt unpopular economic measures. “Protest sentiments were growing in society, and public support for the government was decreasing,” Lavrov explained.
Lavrov emphasized Russia’s role in providing humanitarian aid and supporting Syria’s reconstruction, but he acknowledged the limitations of these efforts. “Despite our strong recommendations and active assistance, the former authorities have not managed to develop a constructive dialogue with their opponents and the influential regional neighbors,” Lavrov said. He attributed much of the current instability to U.S. policies, which he described as “irresponsible and destructive.”
Responding to allegations from Western nations about North Korean military involvement in Ukraine, Lavrov dismissed the claims as baseless propaganda. “We have repeatedly commented on the endless hype surrounding this issue, which the West continues to fuel,” he said. He pointed out the irony of NATO’s accusations, given its direct involvement in the Ukraine conflict. “NATO military and mercenaries openly participate in the planning of combat operations and fighting on the side of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” Lavrov said, adding that such actions undermine the credibility of Western critiques.
On tensions in the Taiwan Strait, Lavrov criticized U.S. policies as provocative and destabilizing. “The Americans are taking inciting actions in the Taiwan Strait and supplying weapons to Taipei while forging a quasi-political dialogue with the local authorities,” Lavrov stated. He drew parallels between U.S. actions in Taiwan and its strategy in Ukraine, describing both as attempts to foster separatism and undermine regional security. “Russia reaffirms its adherence to the One China principle, recognizes that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China, opposes any form of ‘Taiwan independence,’ and firmly supports China’s measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Lavrov declared, quoting a recent joint statement by Russian and Chinese leaders.
However, he warned that Western policies aimed at containment and confrontation are unlikely to foster meaningful progress. “Some may still entertain illusions, but I have long abandoned them,” Lavrov said.
