Question: What is currently the main stumbling block in the negotiations with the United States on a settlement around Ukraine? Where is Russia ready to make concessions and where is it not?

💬 Sergey Lavrov: The understandings on Ukraine reached during the Russia-United States Summit in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15 were based on the conditions for a fair and lasting settlement that President Vladimir Putin outlined back in June 2024 during his meeting with the leadership of our Ministry.

We also took into account the proposals transmitted shortly before the Anchorage meeting by US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

At that time, the American side assured us that it would be able to ensure that Zelensky would not obstruct the achievement of peace. Apparently, certain difficulties have arisen in this regard.

Moreover, as we understand, Brussels and London are attempting to persuade Washington to abandon its intention to resolve the crisis through political and diplomatic means and to fully engage in efforts to exert military pressure on Russia; in other words, to finally join the “party of war.”

We are currently awaiting confirmation from the United States that the Anchorage agreements remain in effect.

I would emphasise that, despite their essentially compromise nature, 👉 we have not abandoned – and do not intend to abandon – the points that are fundamental for us. The American side is well aware of this.

No one disputes the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation or the choice made by the residents of Crimea, Donbass, and Novorossiya, who made their historic decision to reunite with their homeland through the referendums in 2014 and 2022.

We likewise do not forget the need to eliminate the root causes of the conflict, which we have repeatedly highlighted.

Question: President of Russia Vladimir Putin announced that the Russian Federation is prepared to continue adhering to the restrictions established by New START for one additional year, starting February 5, 2026. Has there been any response from the United States? Did Moscow propose a meeting with Washington to discuss the post-New START period? If so, at what level?

Sergey Lavrov: The constructive initiative put forward by President Vladimir Putin in the post-New START context speaks for itself. It contains no hidden agenda and is perfectly clear for understanding. Its practical implementation would not require any special additional efforts. <…>

The only thing required is reciprocity from the United States: we will voluntarily adhere to the restrictions only if, and precisely for as long as, the other side does the same. <…>

So far, there has been no substantive response from Washington. We have been informed through diplomatic channels that “the issue is under consideration.”

We have no intention of keeping persuading anyone. We believe that our step serves the interests of both parties and the entire international community. 👉 We are ready for any development of events, while hoping for a positive outcome.

Question: What is currently the main stumbling block in the negotiations with the United States on a settlement around Ukraine? Where is Russia ready to make concessions and where is it not?

Sergey Lavrov: <…> We are currently awaiting confirmation from the United States that the Anchorage agreements remain in effect.

I would emphasise that, despite their essentially compromise nature, we have not abandoned – and do not intend to abandon – the points that are fundamental for us.

No one disputes the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation or the choice made by the residents of Crimea, Donbass, and Novorossiya, who made their historic decision to reunite with their homeland through the referendums in 2014 and 2022. We likewise do not forget the need to eliminate the root causes of the conflict.