Lavrov says Russia-US summit prospects depend on Washington's initiative

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated Sunday that the potential for a Russia-US summit depends entirely on Washington's initiative, despite Moscow's continued openness to high-level dialogue. In an interview with Hungarian YouTube channel Ultrahang, Lavrov disclosed that President Donald Trump had previously suggested a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, which received initial Russian approval before being postponed by the American side.

Diplomatic Communication and Initiative

Lavrov characterized Russia as "polite people" who respond positively to invitations but noted the pattern of proposed meetings being canceled or delayed by Washington. He referenced his recent conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as productive but insufficient to schedule further high-level engagement. "The entire initiative was coming from the United States. And we would be ready to move as the Americans feel comfortable for themselves," Lavrov emphasized, placing responsibility for advancing diplomatic contact squarely with Washington.

Ukraine Conflict and Security Demands

The Russian foreign minister reiterated Moscow's unchanged objectives in Ukraine, insisting Kyiv must maintain neutrality, refrain from NATO membership, avoid nuclear weapons acquisition, and guarantee Russian speakers' rights. Lavrov defended Russia's demand for a "buffer zone" in Ukrainian territory, citing continued shelling of Russian border regions like Bryansk, Belgorod, and Kursk. He criticized European countries for dominating ceasefire discussions while allegedly opposing Russia-US engagement and pressuring Washington on Ukraine policy.

Regional Security Concerns

Lavrov also addressed broader European security issues, characterizing Finland's NATO accession as a "mistake" that worsens regional stability. The minister confirmed that Ukraine's territorial future remains under discussion in various diplomatic formats, with President Putin having addressed the matter with multiple European leaders including Hungary's Viktor Orban and Slovakia's Robert Fico alongside his conversations with President Trump.