Summary
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia rejects a weak ceasefire in Ukraine, instead seeking a legally binding peace deal ensuring the security of Russia and its neighbors.
Lavrov accused the West of using truces to re-arm Ukraine and called for agreements preventing future violations.
President Putin expressed readiness for talks with Trump but ruled out territorial concessions or Ukraine’s NATO membership, a key Russian concern.
Ukraine remains committed to pursuing NATO membership despite Russia’s objections.
Russia’s security wasn’t at issue but the regime’s security was. Russia is like the regimes from 1984: they need constant external threats to wage war against in order to distract the opposition at home.