Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has proposed involving China in the ongoing negotiations regarding Ukraine’s security guarantees, a move that NATO allies have dismissed as noise. This initiative comes as Kyiv and its allies, including NATO, gather to discuss long-term security assurances for the war-torn nation. Lavrov suggested that Moscow is interested in ‘truly reliable’ guarantees for Ukraine which he claims should be based on a 2022 draft accord discussed early in the war but never finalized.
According to reports, the plan would have provided Ukraine with security guarantees backed by a group of nations including Russia, thus allowing the country to benefit from the U.N. Security Council’s support. However, Kyiv rejected the proposal due to its concern about granting Moscow too much control over the country’s security. China, which is also a member of the U.N. Security Council, has faced international criticism for its stance on the war, including its reluctance to condemn Russia’s invasion and its support for Moscow’s actions.
Lavrov’s comments were reported by Russian state media, stating that Russia supports a plan that includes China, the U.S., Britain, and France in providing security guarantees for Ukraine. Chinese officials, however, have emphasized their commitment to ‘fair and objective’ peace talks and their willingness to contribute to resolving the crisis. The White House has indicated that it will only take serious comments from Russian officials if they originate from President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that Lavrov’s remarks are being treated as typical Russian diplomatic posturing.
The ongoing meetings between NATO, Ukraine, and U.S. officials, including prominent Trump administration members, aim to establish clear terms for Ukraine’s security and pave the way for an end to the war. Despite Lavrov’s public statements, NATO allies remain focused on advancing the talks, viewing Russia’s involvement as a strategic move rather than an obstacle. The diplomatic landscape remains fraught with challenges, as both sides continue to negotiate terms that could potentially alter the trajectory of the conflict.