Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated in a recent interview that the proposal for a peace agreement with the US “is progressing positively,” but there are still specifics that “require refinement.”
In a sneak peek of the interview airing this Sunday on CBS News’ Face the Nation, moderator Margaret Brennan inquired about the recent proposal, stating: “They are quite close to finalizing a deal” and “ultimately, it should come together.”
“I think the US president believes we are heading in a constructive direction,” Lavrov responded to Brennan. Russian President Vladimir Putin was asked if he concurred with Trump’s remarks.
“The president’s comments refer to the agreement, and we are prepared to finalize it, but there remain particular details (components) of this agreement that we must adjust,” he added. “And we are engaged in this precise process.”
Lavrov remarked that Trump “is not suitable to make this statement as he did not clarify the components of the agreement.”
The comments cautioned that if the Trump administration attempts to exert more pressure on Russia and Ukraine, reaching an agreement and resolution may soon become unattainable, and the US could withdraw from negotiations to end the conflict.
Vice President Vance reiterated this warning on Wednesday.
“We have provided a very clear proposal for both the Russians and Ukrainians. It’s time for them to agree or for the US to exit this process,” Vance stated amid his visit to India.
The specifics of the proposal remain undisclosed, but Trump administration officials have discussed the agreement in various media. Reports indicate that the plan includes US views of Crimea as part of Russia, a perspective rejected by Ukrainian President Voldimia Zelensky on Wednesday.
“Ukraine will not formally acknowledge the annexation of Crimea,” he stated. “There is nothing to discuss here.”
Trump responded, commenting on the true state of affairs. “This declaration is incredibly detrimental to peace discussions with Russia that took place years ago under President Barack Hussein Obama’s administration.
“Zelenskyy’s assertion today not only stretches the ‘field of division,’ but it is unwanted by anyone!” Trump continued. “We are very close to an agreement, yet the individual with “no leverage” should finalize it immediately. We hope to assist Ukraine and Russia in resolving this total chaos.
Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkov is heading to Moscow to meet with Putin this week. Lavrov did not directly confirm the meeting, but when asked what Putin would convey to Witkoff, Lavrov said, “We will keep engaging with the US side regarding the Ukraine situation.”
“There are indications that we are progressing positively,” he added. “Primarily, it is a significant error to incorporate Ukraine into NATO, as President Trump may be the only global leader who recognizes the necessity to tackle the root causes of this matter, which was a blunder by the Biden administration, and he expressed a desire to amend this.”
