Lavrov rules out immediate Ukraine ceasefire
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has ruled out the possibility of an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, arguing that any truce must form part of a long-term and sustainable settlement rather than serve as a temporary pause in the conflict.
In an interview with Russian state television, Lavrov said Moscow would continue to take stronger measures against Western support that, according to Russia, strengthens Ukraine’s military capabilities. He accused Western countries of prolonging the war by providing Kyiv with military and other forms of assistance.
Lavrov maintained that Russia would only consider a ceasefire if it could lead to a lasting political solution. He said an immediate halt to fighting would not address what Moscow considers the underlying causes of the conflict and could allow Ukraine to strengthen its forces and resume hostilities later.
The Russian foreign minister also accused the United States of involvement in attacks against Russia. His remarks came as Moscow seeks clarification from the US State Department over alleged American intelligence cooperation with Ukraine.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, Lavrov said Russia had not rejected dialogue with representatives of US President Donald Trump. He indicated that Moscow remained open to discussions with Trump’s envoys, suggesting that diplomatic channels between Washington and Moscow remain available.
Lavrov’s comments highlight the difficult path toward a ceasefire as Russia and Ukraine continue to disagree over the conditions for ending the war. Moscow has repeatedly called for a settlement that addresses its security demands, while Kyiv and its Western allies have pushed for a durable peace that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
