Russia says it will not accept an “unsuitable” peace deal with Ukraine, Lavrov warns

• Lavrov warns Russia will reject any “unsuitable” Ukraine peace deal but is open to conditional concessions that protect its security.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that Moscow will not agree to sign a peace agreement with Ukraine that it deems “unsuitable,” but signaled that Russia could offer “conditional concessions” in a negotiated settlement, so long as its core security interests are protected.

Lavrov made the comments in remarks reported by multiple international outlets, underscoring Moscow’s insistence that any future peace accord must not threaten Russian security, sovereignty, or cultural integrity. He said that concessions could be possible, but only in ways that do not undermine “legitimate interests.”

Security guarantees key to any settlement

Lavrov stressed that Moscow will oppose any peace terms that would leave Russia vulnerable or exposed after an agreement is concluded. The foreign minister criticized Western states and Ukrainian leadership, asserting that they have sought to roll back understandings reached between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump during a summit in Alaska last August. Moscow insists those understandings must be upheld in future negotiations.

The minister’s remarks come amid ongoing trilateral discussions between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine, most recently held in Abu Dhabi earlier this month. While Russian officials maintain that talks continue, Lavrov said the road to a settlement remains long and difficult.

Broader tensions with the United States

On strategic security issues, Lavrov also commented on the expiration of the New START nuclear arms control treaty. Russia said it will continue to observe the treaty’s limits on strategic nuclear forces, as long as the United States does the same, despite the pact officially expiring on February 5, 2026. The treaty had capped deployed nuclear warheads and delivery systems for both sides for more than a decade.

Lavrov echoed Moscow’s hope for a renewed strategic dialogue with Washington, citing previous proposals by President Putin for a one‑year extension of New START and suggesting Russia remains open to negotiating a new framework if U.S. counterparts reaffirm their commitment.

Context of stalled Ukraine peace efforts

Russia’s stance comes as international peace efforts continue amid the protracted Ukraine conflict. Previous reporting shows that Moscow has demanded security guarantees and broader diplomatic recognition of its positions as part of any settlement, positions that differ sharply from those of Kyiv and many Western governments.

Despite diplomatic efforts and occasional talks, Lavrov’s latest remarks underline Moscow’s view that peace cannot be achieved under terms it perceives as imposed by external forces or which leave Russian strategic concerns unaddressed.