Russia remains firm in achieving its goals in Ukraine, despite what it deems a “hybrid war” from the West, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Speaking at his annual news conference, Lavrov reiterated that Moscow’s “special military operation” in Ukraine aims to eliminate perceived security threats and ensure the protection of ethnic Russians. “There must be no military infrastructure in Ukraine that poses a direct threat to our country,” Lavrov asserted, reinforcing Moscow’s intent to prevent NATO expansion and safeguard Russian-speaking communities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin initially justified the military intervention in February 2022 as a mission to “demilitarize” and “denazify” Ukraine, framing it as a response to threats against Russia. Ukraine and its allies, however, have dismissed these claims as unfounded justifications for aggression.

Lavrov firmly rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s terms for peace, which include a full Russian withdrawal, war reparations, and prosecution of war crimes, stating these demands preclude any potential dialogue. With opposing stances firmly set, the prospects for negotiations remain distant amidst escalating tensions.