Lavrov: Russia seeks cooperation with US to resolve Ukraine conflict

In a year-end interview with TASS, Sergey Lavrov expressed Russia's appreciation for the efforts of the Donald Trump administration and confirmed the intention to work with the USA on developing sustainable agreements regarding Ukraine.

"We appreciate the efforts of US President Donald Trump and his team to achieve a peaceful settlement. We aim to continue cooperating with US negotiators to develop sustainable agreements that address the root causes of the conflict",

Lavrov said.

He noted that neither Ukraine nor European countries have demonstrated a genuine willingness to engage in constructive negotiations. According to Lavrov, following the change in the US administration, the EU is now perceived as the primary obstacle to peace.

Commenting on the new US administration's approach toward Russia, the Minister referenced the revised US National Security Strategy.

"The new version of the US National Security Strategy has naturally been the subject of thorough analysis and this is understandable. Its core principles require testing in practice, but at first glance, they appear innovative. Experts suggest this could indicate Washington is rethinking its role on the global stage",

Lavrov stated.

The Russian Foreign Minister emphasized that the Strategy contains no calls for the systemic containment of Russia or clauses advocating NATO expansion.

"Perhaps for the first time, the United States, if not committing to halting the North Atlantic Alliance's expansion, is at least publicly questioning the notion of its endless eastward trajectory",

Lavrov remarked.

Lavrov noted that a number of ideas in the Strategy are, in theory, not incompatible with fostering dialogue between Moscow and Washington. He stressed, however, that final conclusions would be made "solely based on an analysis of the US administration's practical actions in the international arena".

The US National Security Strategy was published on December 5.