Lavrov’s remarks come just days after what the US, Ukraine, and Russia described as “difficult but constructive” talks in Abu Dhabi, signaling that reaching a final peace agreement may remain challenging. Russia continues to press its maximalist demands, including control over Ukraine’s eastern regions, and opposes any prospect of Ukraine joining NATO or hosting Western troops as part of security guarantees.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his nightly address, emphasized that “reliable security guarantees are the only real foundation for peace,” warning that Russia could test any settlement through strikes or hybrid operations.
Meanwhile, Russia maintains attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Overnight, an energy facility in the southern Black Sea region of Odesa was targeted, even as the country endures severe cold.
In Europe, discussions continue on improving competitiveness ahead of Thursday’s informal EU summit, alongside updates on the temporarily paused EU-US trade deal and other continental developments.
