Moscow no longer believes the West wants negotiations on Ukraine, Lavrov says

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said Moscow no longer trusts Western countries’ stated willingness to negotiate on Ukraine.

Russian media reported the remarks, citing statements made by Lavrov during his visit to Mozambique.

Lavrov said the Russian side had assessed the situation surrounding Ukraine, including the actions of Western countries in that context. According to him, the West is pretending to be ready for negotiations while issuing open ultimatums to Russia.

“We will no longer believe the West when it claims it wants a negotiated settlement. This reserve of goodwill and hope has been completely exhausted,” the Russian foreign minister said.

Following the NATO summit held in the Turkish capital Ankara on July 7-8, the alliance announced that it would provide Ukraine with €70 billion in weapons and military assistance in 2026 and at least the same amount in 2027.