According to KhabarOnline, In an interview with RIA Novosti, Lavrov said, “There are many lingering irritants in Russia–U.S. relations inherited from the previous American administration. Removing these obstacles will take time. With the new administration, we have sensed a willingness to resume dialogue. These discussions continue, but not as quickly as we would like.”
He revealed that two rounds of negotiations took place in the spring, producing agreements to improve the operating conditions of diplomatic missions.
Lavrov emphasized that the talks should not be limited to diplomatic issues alone: “It is very important to address matters such as restoring direct air routes and returning Russian diplomatic property illegally seized by former U.S. President Barack Obama in December 2016.”
According to Lavrov, working-level contacts between Moscow and Washington are continuing to explore the possibility of further negotiations. He added, “Our proposals regarding diplomatic property and air traffic have been conveyed to the American side. We are awaiting their response.”
Lavrov also said he is ready to hold personal meetings with his U.S. counterpart, Marco Rubio, if necessary, noting that “regular communication is essential to review bilateral issues and matters related to Ukraine.”
The Russian foreign minister made it clear that Moscow would not disclose all details of its talks with Washington on the Ukrainian issue. When asked whether the U.S. had signaled readiness to legally recognize Crimea as part of Russia within a peace framework, Lavrov replied: “For obvious reasons, we do not disclose every detail of our discussions on Ukraine. However, when blatant misinformation appears in the media, we naturally respond. The conflict in Ukraine cannot be resolved without addressing its root causes and taking Russia’s interests into account. The issue of Crimea is closed for us.”
Lavrov reiterated that the residents of Crimea and Sevastopol exercised their right to self-determination in the 2014 referendum and chose to join Russia.
Transfer of Frozen Russian Assets to Ukraine
Lavrov warned that Moscow would respond reciprocally if Western nations transfer frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. “There is no legal basis for seizing Russia’s frozen assets,” he said.
He criticized the European Commission’s “cynical” interpretation of the UN Charter and international law, including principles of sovereign and central bank immunity: “No matter how the plan is framed, there is no legal pathway for confiscation. Seizing Russia’s frozen assets will not help Kyiv, as Ukraine cannot repay its debts.”
He added that confiscating Russian gold and foreign currency reserves “will not save Kyiv’s puppets from insolvency,” arguing that Ukraine will never be able to settle its loans. Lavrov cautioned that even EU countries acknowledge the potential risks such measures pose to the euro’s credibility as a stable currency zone.
U.S. Struggling to Persuade Zelensky
Lavrov said Moscow is awaiting confirmation from Washington that the agreements reached at the leaders’ summit in Alaska regarding Ukraine remain valid. He described the so-called Anchorage agreements as a form of compromise but stressed Russia’s firm stance on key issues, particularly its territorial integrity.
“Despite the compromise nature of these agreements, we have not and will not abandon our fundamental positions. The Americans understand this. No one questions Russia’s territorial integrity or the choices made by the people of Crimea, Donbas, and Novorossiya in the referendums of 2014 and 2022,” Lavrov said.
He added that the U.S. appears to be facing difficulties convincing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky not to obstruct a peaceful settlement.
“At the Alaska summit, the U.S. assured us that it could ensure Zelensky would not block peace efforts. Apparently, obstacles have since emerged. Moreover, as we understand, Brussels and London are urging Washington to abandon its diplomatic approach and fully join efforts to pressure Russia militarily—essentially becoming part of the ‘war party.’”
New START Extension
Commenting on Russia’s willingness to extend the New START treaty for one additional year beyond its February 2026 expiration, Lavrov said Washington had informed Moscow through diplomatic channels that it was reviewing President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to maintain the treaty’s limits.
“We have not yet received a substantive response from Washington. According to our diplomatic contacts, the issue remains under consideration. The idea of maintaining New START limitations beyond February 2026 is straightforward and requires no deep negotiation,” Lavrov said.
He added that Putin’s initiative “is transparent, constructive, and free of hidden agendas.”
“Its implementation requires no special effort. Therefore, we see no need for lengthy discussions. Russia is not trying to persuade the United States—our proposal serves the interests of both sides and the entire international community.”
Lavrov concluded, “We are ready for any outcome, though we hope for a positive one. This initiative merely requires reciprocal action from the U.S. Russia will adhere to voluntary limits only as long as the other side does the same.”
President Putin has already announced Russia’s readiness to continue observing New START restrictions for one year after February 5, 2026, provided the U.S. reciprocates.
According to reports, U.S. President Donald Trump has described Putin’s proposal as “a good idea.”
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