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Lavrov: 'The West Must Recognize Russia Has Strategic Initiative in Ukraine'

Published December 30, 2025, 06:26
Lavrov: 'The West Must Recognize Russia Has Strategic Initiative in Ukraine'

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the West must recognize that Russia has the strategic initiative in Ukraine as talks continue on a possible settlement. He stated that the West should come to terms with the reality on the ground, almost four years after the start of Moscow's 'Special Military Operation'. He also mentioned that the United States now supports the idea that new elections are needed in Ukraine after the end of President Volodymyr Zelensky's term. Lavrov reiterated that a settlement requires Ukraine not to join NATO and to adopt a neutral, non-aligned status.