A new round of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine is set to be announced soon, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday, signaling renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict.
Speaking to reporters, Lavrov emphasized that one of Moscow’s “key requirements” for any sustainable peace deal remains Ukraine’s return to a neutral, non-aligned, and nuclear-free status. He described this condition as a fundamental pillar of Russia’s security concerns.
“The announcement of a new round of talks is imminent,” Lavrov stated, without providing specific details on the location or date. “We hope Ukraine will approach the next phase with a realistic understanding of the need to return to a non-aligned position that does not threaten regional stability.”
The last round of direct talks between the two countries was held in Istanbul on May 16, marking the first face-to-face negotiations since March 2022. However, those talks concluded without any agreement on a ceasefire or political roadmap, though both sides acknowledged the importance of continued dialogue.
While the prospect of renewed talks offers a glimmer of hope, diplomatic observers remain cautious. The war, now in its third year, has caused extensive human suffering, economic disruption, and global geopolitical tension.
The Ukrainian government has yet to comment on Lavrov’s latest announcement, and it remains unclear whether Kyiv is willing to revisit the issue of neutrality, a point it has firmly resisted since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Analysts suggest that the success of any new negotiations will depend heavily on mutual concessions and sustained international pressure for a peaceful resolution.
Written By Rodney Mbua
