Lavrov Discusses CIA Director and Vatican Envoy's Visits to Moscow
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has commented on the recent high-level diplomatic activity in Moscow, particularly the visits from CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Vatican envoy Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher. In an interview, Lavrov noted that both officials sought discussions, with Gallagher focusing on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Vatican envoy reiterated the need for an end to hostilities and offered assistance with humanitarian issues, including prisoner exchanges.
Lavrov took the opportunity to outline a series of diplomatic agreements that he claims have been violated or abandoned by Ukraine and its Western allies. He referenced past agreements, including those from the 2014 Maidan coup and the Minsk accords, which he believes were used by Ukraine to regroup militarily. He expressed concern that Western calls for a ceasefire would only serve to freeze the current conflict without leading to a sustainable resolution. He criticized proposals for British- and French-led stabilization forces, arguing they would support what he termed a "neo-Nazi regime" in Kiev.
Regarding Ratcliffe's visit, Lavrov was more reserved, stating that he was not present during the discussions and that intelligence agencies typically communicate through established channels. He emphasized that such contacts are not unusual and that sensitive details are often kept confidential to avoid jeopardizing potential agreements.
Lavrov also addressed allegations that Russia had issued ultimatums to the Trump administration concerning U.S. intelligence aiding Ukrainian strikes against Russia. He asserted that Moscow remains open to dialogue with Western governments but has become skeptical of public commitments and agreements, citing a history of broken promises from NATO and Western leaders.
He expressed a belief that Russians tend to trust others until the end, but indicated that the relationship with the West has fundamentally changed since February 2022. Lavrov pointed to the Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage as an example of missed opportunities, claiming that agreements reached were later undermined by European leaders. While he stated that Russia is still willing to consider new proposals from the U.S., he affirmed that the country will continue its operations on the ground in the meantime.
