Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov denied the existence of a three-point peace plan for Ukraine and warned against the deployment of Western troops, calling it a direct threat to Russia’s sovereignty.
on April 25, 2023, in New York City, U.S. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Speaking on Feb. 18 following U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, Lavrov said Moscow had not seen any formal proposal for a peace deal. The reported plan, which allegedly includes a ceasefire, Ukrainian elections, and a final peace agreement, was first disclosed by Fox News Senior White House Correspondent Jacqui Heinrich.
“I have not seen this information, I have not seen these reports,” Lavrov stated at a press conference.
Lavrov also issued a warning regarding any potential deployment of NATO military personnel in Ukraine under a future agreement, emphasizing that even if Western forces operated under EU or national flags, Moscow would consider it a provocation.
“The absorption of Ukraine by the North Atlantic Alliance is a direct threat to the interests of the Russian Federation, a direct threat to our sovereignty,” Lavrov said.
Kyiv has emphasized that strong security guarantees must be included in any peace agreement. The possibility of an international peacekeeping force in Ukraine remains under discussion.
Lavrov also escalated rhetoric against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling for him and his administration to be “calmed down” after a reported Ukrainian drone strike on a pumping station in Russia’s Kuban region.
“This should only strengthen everyone in the opinion that this can’t go on, that this man and his entire team should be calmed down, given a slap on the wrist,” Lavrov stated.
The Saudi Arabia talks marked the first direct negotiations between the U.S. and Russia since the full-scale invasion began. Lavrov led the Russian delegation, which met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other American officials.
Following the talks, Zelensky announced on Feb. 18 that he postponed his planned visit to Saudi Arabia. He reiterated that Ukraine must be involved in any decisions regarding its future.
