Lavrov says Zelensky's stance on attacks against Russia hampers peace talks

On October 31, 2026, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that recent remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding continued attacks on Russian soil are undermining prospects for a new round of peace negotiations. Speaking on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta, Lavrov emphasized that Moscow’s position on the conflict remains unchanged, reiterating that Russia will not accept a Ukraine that threatens its national security.

Lavrov further addressed the deteriorating state of relations between Moscow and Washington. He explicitly cited the ongoing Western sanctions against Russia and continued U.S. military support for Kyiv as major obstacles to bilateral stability. While both Russia and Ukraine have expressed a willingness to participate in potential tripartite talks involving the United States, Lavrov indicated that such diplomatic efforts are currently hindered by Ukraine's military strategy. The minister questioned what specific proposals Ukraine intends to bring to the negotiating table, suggesting that the current rhetoric regarding strikes on Russian territory makes constructive dialogue difficult. As of now, there are no immediate plans for de-escalation, as both sides remain locked in their long-standing positions.