Lavrov: Dialogue with Washington continues, but slowly
11/9/2025 12:32:00 PM
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that Russian-American relations face a number of obstacles inherited by both sides from the previous U.S. administration, and that dialogue is ongoing, albeit slowly.
He added that the two sides held two rounds of consultations during the spring, during which understandings were reached to improve the working conditions of diplomatic missions. Lavrov emphasized that Moscow recognizes the importance of expanding the dialogue to include other issues, such as the resumption of direct flights and the return of Russian diplomatic property that was seized weeks before Donald Trump’s inauguration.
He said: “The Americans assured us at the Alaska summit that they would ensure Zelensky is not hindered from achieving peace. It seems that some difficulties have arisen in this regard. Moreover, to our knowledge, Brussels and London are trying to persuade Washington to abandon its intention to resolve the crisis through political and diplomatic means and to fully engage in efforts to apply military pressure on Russia.”
On another note, Lavrov confirmed that Russia does not intend to persuade the United States to accept President Vladimir Putin’s initiative to extend the restrictions stipulated in the Strategic Offensive Arms Treaty for one year after February 2026.
He pointed out that Moscow considers “this step to be in the interest of both parties and the international community, and is prepared for any potential developments, but hopes for a positive outcome and that voluntary compliance with the restrictions will be mutual as long as the United States adheres to them.”
He added that the two sides held two rounds of consultations during the spring, during which understandings were reached to improve the working conditions of diplomatic missions. Lavrov emphasized that Moscow recognizes the importance of expanding the dialogue to include other issues, such as the resumption of direct flights and the return of Russian diplomatic property that was seized weeks before Donald Trump’s inauguration.
He said: “The Americans assured us at the Alaska summit that they would ensure Zelensky is not hindered from achieving peace. It seems that some difficulties have arisen in this regard. Moreover, to our knowledge, Brussels and London are trying to persuade Washington to abandon its intention to resolve the crisis through political and diplomatic means and to fully engage in efforts to apply military pressure on Russia.”
On another note, Lavrov confirmed that Russia does not intend to persuade the United States to accept President Vladimir Putin’s initiative to extend the restrictions stipulated in the Strategic Offensive Arms Treaty for one year after February 2026.
He pointed out that Moscow considers “this step to be in the interest of both parties and the international community, and is prepared for any potential developments, but hopes for a positive outcome and that voluntary compliance with the restrictions will be mutual as long as the United States adheres to them.”