Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed openness to a deal on the Ukraine conflict following U.S. President Donald Trump’s rare rebuke of Vladimir Putin after devastating strikes on Kyiv.
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, Russia signaled its willingness to negotiate an end to its war in Ukraine, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s direct appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt attacks. The statement from Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov came after deadly missile and drone strikes on Kyiv that killed at least 12 people, marking some of the deadliest attacks on the Ukrainian capital in months. Via AFP.
Lavrov’s Remarks and Ceasefire Talks
In an interview with CBS News, Lavrov stated, “We are ready to reach a deal, but there are still some specific points… which need to be fine-tuned, and we are busy with this.” Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to arrive in Russia on Friday, April 25, 2025, for another round of ceasefire talks with Putin. Lavrov described the negotiations as moving in the right direction, emphasizing that Trump “recognized the need to address the root causes” of the conflict, though specifics of the deal remain undisclosed.
Trump’s Rebuke and Kyiv Strikes
The talks follow a wave of Russian aerial attacks, including a barrage of 70 missiles and 145 drones targeting Kyiv between Wednesday and Thursday, according to Ukraine’s air force. The strikes, which Russia claimed targeted defense industry sites, left 12 dead and 90 wounded in Kyiv’s Sviatoshinsky district. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia used a North Korean ballistic missile in the attack, escalating concerns about foreign involvement. Trump, who has often criticized Zelensky, expressed frustration on social media, stating, “I am not happy with the Russian strikes. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP!” Reuters.
Crimea and Negotiation Challenges
A key sticking point in negotiations is Russia’s claim over Crimea, annexed in 2014. Trump accused Zelensky of obstructing peace by refusing to cede Crimea, which he called “lost years ago.” Zelensky countered that Ukraine adheres to its constitution, which prohibits territorial concessions, and criticized allies for not imposing stronger sanctions on Russia. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, after meeting Trump, emphasized that Russia must take the lead in advancing talks, stating, “The balls are clearly in the Russian court now.”
Impact on Ukraine
The strikes disrupted Kyiv, with resident Olena Davydiuk describing scenes of chaos: “People were being pulled out of the rubble.” Zelensky, who cut short a trip to South Africa, noted that Russian ground forces intensified attacks under the cover of the aerial bombardment, exploiting Ukraine’s focus on air defense. The attacks highlight Kyiv’s vulnerability, despite its stronger air defenses compared to other Ukrainian cities, and underscore the ongoing toll of Russia’s invasion, launched in February 2022.
Global Implications
The escalation comes as Trump pushes for a rapid resolution to the conflict, a priority in his foreign policy agenda. However, the lack of concrete concessions from Russia, combined with Zelensky’s calls for stronger international pressure, complicates the path to peace. The involvement of North Korean weaponry further raises concerns about the conflict’s global dimensions, with analysts warning of potential escalation if ceasefire talks falter.
Author: Planet-Today.com
Russia, Ukraine, ceasefire talks, Sergei Lavrov, Donald Trump