Diplomatic efforts remain at a standstill

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have been at a standstill since February, when the U.S. engaged in a war with Iran and subsequently halted its mediation efforts between Moscow and Kyiv. Reflecting on prior negotiations, Lavrov cited a summit held a year ago, claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin told US President Donald Trump he was willing to accept Washington's peace proposals, despite acknowledging the need for compromise. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio firmly denied that any such agreement was reached, noting that a mutual consensus would have already ended the war.

Putin remains open to US envoys

Looking ahead, Lavrov indicated that Putin remains open to receiving envoys from President Trump, noting that the outcome would depend on "what they will be bringing with them."

Russia warns of escalated military tactics

In the meantime, the Russian Foreign Minister issued a stark warning that Moscow will aggressively escalate its military tactics to dismantle and destroy all Western supply lines fueling Kyiv's armed forces. This threat comes as the conflict enters its fifth year; while Ukraine continues to rely heavily on military aid from its Western allies, it is currently grappling with chronic shortages in critical defense areas, most notably missile interceptors.