Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov stated today that an early month meeting between president Vladimir Putin, US special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner confirmed "common understandings" reached between the two countries' leaders at an August summit in Alaska. "Now, in negotiations with the US regarding Ukraine, I personally believe that misunderstandings and miscommunications have been resolved," Lavrov said.

According to Lavrov, Russia aims to achieve a package of documents to form the basis for a long-term, sustainable peace agreement in Ukraine, including security guarantees for all involved parties. "We have provided our American counterparts with additional proposals concerning collective security guarantees. We understand that when discussing security guarantees, we cannot limit ourselves solely to Ukraine," he added.

The Russian foreign minister also emphasized that Moskva will not accept Kiev joining NATO, and seeks to protect Russian speakers in Ukraine.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov in Moskva on 25/11. Photo: AFP

During the nearly 5-hour meeting at the Kremlin on 2/12, president Putin, special envoy Witkoff, and Kushner discussed measures to end hostilities in Ukraine. While the two sides did not reach a compromise on the key issue of territory in Ukraine, they were able to discuss some solutions proposed by the US. The Kremlin praised the exchange as "useful and constructive," despite acknowledging that much work remains ahead.

Last month, the US introduced a plan to end the Ukraine conflict, seeking to persuade Moskva and Kiev to accept it. The initial proposal comprised 28 points, requiring Ukraine to relinquish some territory, accept limits on its military size, and cease pursuing NATO membership. This draft met with opposition from Ukraine and European nations. Some provisions were removed in an updated draft, but its content has not yet been disclosed.

By Huyen Le (According to Reuters)