Russia Calls Ukraine Security Talks Without Moscow a “Road to Nowhere”
Russia warned that efforts to resolve Ukraine’s security issues without its participation are a “road to nowhere,” directly challenging Western attempts to secure long-term protection guarantees for Kyiv. After meeting Jordan’s foreign minister, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized a recent White House summit where U.S. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders to discuss Ukraine’s security and a possible end to the war.
Lavrov dismissed the talks as one-sided and unrealistic, insisting that meaningful security discussions excluding Moscow cannot succeed. “We cannot agree to resolve collective security issues without the Russian Federation. This will not work,” he said, calling such efforts a “utopia.”
He pointed to a 2022 draft agreement from Istanbul, which proposed Ukraine’s neutrality and security guarantees from major powers—including Russia, the U.S., China, Britain, and France as a solid framework. Ukraine rejected the deal at the time, fearing it would give Russia veto power over military aid. Kyiv sought stronger guarantees like airspace protection and potential foreign troop deployments, but Russia insisted all decisions require unanimous approval from guarantor states, effectively granting Moscow veto rights.
Lavrov also criticized European leaders at the White House meeting for escalating tensions with “clumsy” and “unethical” tactics, accusing them of trying to pressure the Trump administration without offering constructive solutions.
Trump said the U.S. would back Ukraine’s security in any peace deal but ruled out sending troops, though he left open the possibility of air support. Russia reiterated its strong opposition to NATO troop deployment in Ukraine.
Lavrov’s remarks reaffirm Moscow’s stance that it must be central to shaping Europe’s security order, warning that any agreement without Russia’s involvement would lack legitimacy and effectiveness.
