Overview

• Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, declined to discuss the specifics of the Trump-proposed peace deal, stating that negotiations should remain private to be taken seriously.
• Lavrov reaffirmed Russia's stance that Crimea is permanently part of Russia, calling its annexation a 'done deal.'
• He confirmed that Russia will continue military strikes on Ukrainian military sites, foreign mercenaries, and European instructors aiding Ukraine.
• Lavrov expressed Russia's willingness for dialogue but criticized what he described as unrealistic expectations and impatience in U.S. diplomacy.
• Former President Trump suggested on social media that Putin might be stalling peace efforts and hinted at the potential for further sanctions as a response.