Moscow: Russia is in favor of 'truly reliable' security guarantees for Ukraine, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated during a joint press conference with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi in Moscow. Lavrov emphasized the need for security measures that are dependable and involve key international players.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lavrov mentioned that Great Britain, France, and Germany are working on developing collective security guarantees. He expressed Russia's support for such guarantees, provided they are reliable. Lavrov referred to initial peace talks in Istanbul in April 2022, where Kyiv's negotiating team proposed principles for a sustainable settlement to the ongoing Ukraine war. These principles included Ukraine's refusal to join NATO or any other military blocs and a confirmation of its neutral and non-nuclear status.

Lavrov stated that Russia agrees Ukraine's security guarantees should be provided on an equal basis, involving countries such as China, the US, UK, and France. He emphasized that Moscow does not support resolving collective security issues without Russia's involvement, asserting that discussing security without considering Russia's perspective is impractical.

He noted a growing understanding in the US of the need to address the root causes of the conflict. Lavrov reaffirmed Russia's readiness for negotiations on the Ukraine war, provided they are conducted honestly and do not involve the US in what he termed an "aggressive, belligerent campaign" in Europe. He also accused the EU of attempting to influence the US position on the Ukraine settlement unethically.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior European leaders at the White House. Following their discussions, the White House clarified that US ground forces would not be deployed in Ukraine. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that the US would assist in coordination and potentially offer other security guarantees to European allies.