Moscow will not accept a truce that preserves the Kiev regime and allows foreign troops into Ukraine, the top diplomat has said
Published 29 Jul, 2026 10:19
© mid.ru
The West is trying to force Russia to accept an “ultimatum” on the Ukraine conflict by demanding a ceasefire before peace talks, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said.
In an interview with TASS news agency on Wednesday, Russia’s top diplomat argued that Western countries first want Moscow and Kiev to agree to a ceasefire, after which a multinational force led by France and the UK would be deployed before real negotiations begin.
“What does this mean? It is an ultimatum,” Lavrov said.
According to the minister, such a scenario would effectively freeze the conflict while leaving “the Nazi regime” in power in Kiev, with Western countries refusing to recognize the former Ukrainian territories that voted to join Russia in referendums.
Lavrov said Russia would not accept such conditions, adding that the country has not abandoned its principles, despite external pressure.
Moscow has repeatedly rejected proposals for an immediate ceasefire, arguing that any pause in the fighting would allow Kiev to regroup and rearm with Western military assistance. Russian officials have also consistently opposed the deployment of foreign troops to Ukraine, warning they would be treated as legitimate military targets.
