Russia pessimistic on Ukraine peace talks with Trump team

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday rejected elements of a peace proposal forthcoming from supporters of President-elect Donald Trump. During an interview with Russia’s state-run TASS news agency, Lavrov denied there were any signals from Trump’s team about negotiations for a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine. He added that until Trump is inaugurated on Jan. 20, President Joe Biden remains in charge of U.S. foreign policy.

How does Russia view Trump’s statements about Ukraine policy? Lavrov outlined a number of possible proposals and statements by Trump, including a recent interview with Time magazine, saying that Russia would reject such ideas. Russia would not agree to any ceasefire agreement that would leave British or European peacekeeping troops on the ground in Ukraine, he said. He added that Russia continues to oppose Ukraine’s entrance into NATO, even if that admission is delayed for 20 years. Lavrov said relations can warm up between the United States and Russia. But he said the United States would have to make the first move, respecting Russia’s interests and ending support for Kyiv.

Dig deeper: Read Lauren Canterberry’s report on Ukraine’s move to halt natural gas deliveries from Russia to the European Union.