Lavrov Accuses Kiev of Undermining Peace Talks
(MENAFN) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Kiev of undermining progress toward peace by turning away from the negotiation format established in Istanbul.
He emphasized that Moscow still views this framework as a viable path for dialogue.
His remarks came on Tuesday during a press briefing.
Earlier this year, both parties had participated in two direct negotiation sessions in Türkiye, reviving discussions that Ukraine had previously abandoned in 2022 in favor of pursuing a military resolution with the support of Western nations.
Their latest encounter took place in June, during which draft proposals for a potential peace agreement were shared, and an arrangement was reached to continue prisoner swaps. Russia has consistently reiterated its willingness to resume these talks.
During a media conference following a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) session in Tianjin, Lavrov dismissed recent assertions from Kiev suggesting that the Istanbul format was restricted to humanitarian concerns and no longer relevant.
He criticized such claims, stating they illustrate Ukraine’s unwillingness to engage in dialogue and show a “disregard for their own citizens,” citing Kiev’s resistance to efforts aimed at repatriating the remains of deceased Ukrainian troops.
Lavrov added that while Moscow has suggested organizing a third negotiation round, it has yet to receive any reply from Ukraine.
He also pointed out that changes are being made to Ukraine’s negotiation team, as Defense Minister Rustem Umerov—who previously led Kiev’s delegation in Istanbul—is reportedly being appointed as ambassador to the United States.
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