Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov might be looking to involve China in ongoing discussions with NATO leaders and Ukrainian officials, who are meeting this week to address security assurances for Ukraine.
Lavrov indicated that Moscow seeks “truly reliable” guarantees concerning Ukraine. He mentioned that these should be rooted in a draft agreement from 2022, which was previously discussed by Ukrainian and Russian negotiators at the onset of the conflict.
However, this idea didn’t go anywhere in the past due to Kyiv’s concerns.
The proposed framework would have granted Ukraine security guarantees from various nations, including the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. Kyiv felt this arrangement effectively handed Moscow veto power over any future military support.
China, also a permanent member, has not condemned Russia’s actions and holds international responsibilities regarding its support for Moscow during this conflict. Lavrov stated on Wednesday that Russia is open to equal participation with nations like China, the US, the UK, and France.
Though Ukraine is unlikely to accept an arrangement that offers future security to Russia and possibly China, Beijing claims to back “fair and objective” peace negotiations.
According to a spokesperson from the Chinese embassy, “China did not create a crisis in Ukraine, and China is not a party either. However, it has established a neutral position for peace and fostered dialogue.” This reference includes the “Four Principles” peace plan that the Chinese President proposed in 2024.
Lavrov also criticized NATO leaders, suggesting that their actions represented “unethical attempts” to shift blame to the Trump administration and its president.
While many European and American officials were at the meeting, including figures like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary Marco Rubio, specific details remain sparse. Lavrov described the encounter as an “offensive escalation” and somewhat “clumsy.”
A European diplomat engaged in coordinating security arrangements with the US claimed that Lavrov’s remarks are generally disregarded by Washington and NATO partners, indicating they have not hindered progress.
“It’s just noise,” the diplomat commented. “Lavrov’s statements reflect typical Russian behavior, and they don’t contribute to serious discussions around peace.”
The White House has suggested that comments from Russian officials are primarily disregarded unless they come straight from Putin.
