Moscow: Russia's top diplomat has revealed that Moscow is ready to agree in principle to a US concept discussed during the August Alaska summit and is waiting for a formal response from Washington. Sergey Lavrov, speaking to Kommersant daily, emphasized that President Vladimir Putin has expressed his readiness to align with the concept introduced by US Special Envoy Steven Witkoff, as it addresses the root causes of the Ukraine conflict and proposes steps to resolve them.
According to Anadolu Agency, Lavrov highlighted that the root causes include NATO's expansion and the status of certain territories, which should reflect the local population's will-points previously raised by Moscow. Lavrov mentioned that President Donald Trump indicated the need to consult with Washington and that Russia is currently awaiting their response.
Responding to Trump's statement about potentially sending Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, Lavrov asserted that this does not align with the concept discussed in Alaska. He criticized the notion, stating that it has no relevance to the discussions held in Alaska and argued that both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and certain European leaders are attempting to divert Trump from the path discussed at the summit.
Lavrov condemned Ukraine's push for NATO membership and increased arms supplies, suggesting these efforts are intended to derail the peace process. He also mentioned that Moscow has proposed raising the level of negotiators and forming three working groups within the Istanbul process to address humanitarian, military, and political issues.
He expressed Moscow's goodwill in these negotiations and reiterated the expectation for a US response. Lavrov also referenced a Financial Times article concerning US support for strikes on Russian energy facilities, indicating that he has instructed his staff to seek clarification from Washington. He warned that potential Tomahawk missile deliveries could lead to a significant escalation and damage efforts to normalize relations.
Lavrov praised Witkoff as a reasonable negotiator who understands Russia's position, but he criticized Keith Kellogg, the US special Ukraine envoy, for advocating a de facto freeze without recognition-a stance Lavrov rejects. The August 15 meeting between Putin and Trump in Alaska aimed to explore a ceasefire path and security arrangements, with Trump linking any long-range weapons decisions to avoiding escalation. Meanwhile, Kyiv continues to push for NATO integration and sustained Western military support.