Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed methods to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine and address the root causes of the conflict during a phone call on Monday, as stated by the Russian Foreign Ministry.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the ministry emphasized the significance of establishing fundamental conditions to initiate future discussions aimed at reaching a permanent resolution to the Ukraine conflict. Both Lavrov and Rubio agreed on the necessity of continuing bilateral ties at various levels.
This interaction follows intensive discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Whitkoff, indicating a shared willingness to explore political solutions despite ongoing disagreements over the terms of settlement. Both parties highlighted the importance of maintaining consultations and coordination to enhance mutual understanding and reduce the risk of regional escalation.
These diplomatic efforts occur amidst controversial comments from US President Donald Trump, who criticized Kyiv's demands to reclaim Crimea. Trump warned that Ukraine's insistence could jeopardize the prospects for a peace deal and expressed concern over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's refusal to recognize Crimea's annexation by Russia, suggesting it might prolong the conflict.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has been actively mediating between Moscow and Kyiv. Saudi Arabia has been hosting roundtable talks between American and Ukrainian delegations, during which Kyiv accepted a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire, conditional on Russia's simultaneous commitment.