Moscow Cools Peace Hopes: Lavrov Warns of a "Long Road Ahead" Despite Trump’s Pressure on Kyiv

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has dampened expectations for a swift resolution to the Ukrainian conflict, stating that a final peace agreement remains distant. Despite President Donald Trump’s efforts to push Europe and Kyiv toward a deal, Lavrov noted that while Trump has "put them in their place," this does not yet justify a "rosy outlook." The Kremlin reinforced this cautious stance by declining to set a date for the next round of talks, following two inconclusive sessions in Abu Dhabi.

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko further clarified Moscow's non-negotiable demands, asserting that no deal will be signed without a formal guarantee excluding Ukraine from NATO and banning foreign troop deployments on its soil. This hardening of the Russian position suggests that Moscow is prepared to hold out for long-term strategic concessions, regardless of the accelerated diplomatic timeline envisioned by the White House.