Russia says talks on Ukraine security guarantees must include Moscow

Following European leaders meeting with US President Donald Trump to discuss security guarantees for Kyiv, Russia has warned that trying to resolve Ukraine security issues without Moscow’s involvement is “the road to nowhere.”

“We cannot accept the suggestion that Russia is being used to resolve security and collective security issues. Sergey Lavrov, the head of Russian foreign affairs, stated on Wednesday that this will not work.

“I’m confident that those in the West and, more importantly, those in the United States, are fully aware that seriously discussing security issues without the Russian Federation is a utopia, it’s a journey to nowhere,” he said.

Two days after Trump hosted Volodymyr Zelenskyy alongside prominent European leaders at the White House and two days after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the minister made the remarks.

More than three years after Russia invaded its neighbor, Trump is attempting to entice Zelenskyy to reach a deal, but significant obstacles still exist.

Any summit between Putin and Zelenskyy “must be prepared in the most meticulous way,” according to the Russian official, so that the conflict’s situation doesn’t “deteriorate” in the process.

Lavrov also accused European leaders of making “clumsy attempts” to alter the US president’s position on Ukraine.

In response to the meeting on Monday, he said, “We have only seen aggressive escalation of the situation and rather clumsy attempts to change the US president’s position.”

The Europeans there did not offer any insightful suggestions, Lavrov continued.

NATO discussions

In an effort to pacify Russia’s offensive, NATO military chiefs are scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss specifics of potential security guarantees for Ukraine.

32 defense chiefs from across the alliance will hold a video conference, according to the NATO Military Committee.

The discussions will also include US General Alexus Grynkewich, the head of NATO’s operations in Europe.

A coalition of 30 nations, including those from Europe, Japan, and Australia, has signed up to support the initiative, and Kyiv’s European allies are looking to establish a force that could halt any peace agreement.

The operation of that security force is being considered by military chiefs. The US’s potential role is uncertain. Trump vehemently opposed sending US troops to Ukraine to help Russia’s defense on Tuesday.