Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reiterated that Ukraine must acknowledge Moscow’s territorial gains and commit to a neutral stance, asserting these steps are essential for long-term stability. In an interview with Indonesia’s Kompas, Lavrov emphasized that Russia is open to dialogue but insists on formalizing its control over regions like Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye through international legal frameworks. These areas, he noted, voted overwhelmingly to join Russia in referendums held in 2014 and 2022.
Lavrov framed the conflict as rooted in NATO’s expansion, claiming Kyiv’s aspirations to join the alliance threaten regional security. He argued that Ukraine’s “neutral, non-aligned, and nuclear-free” status—originally enshrined in its 1990 Declaration of Independence—must be guaranteed. However, he criticized Kyiv for suppressing Russian cultural and linguistic influences, citing laws that ban Russian-language media, Orthodox traditions, and historical symbols tied to Moscow.
The minister also highlighted Ukraine’s crackdown on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which he alleged maintains ties to Russia despite its 2022 declaration of independence from Moscow. Lavrov condemned Kyiv’s refusal to recognize territorial concessions, noting the country’s continued pursuit of NATO membership as a barrier to peace.
The statements underscore Russia’s insistence on securing its geopolitical interests while rejecting any compromise that could undermine its influence in the region.
