Russia does not rule out engaging in dialogue with Donald Trump’s potential future administration regarding a resolution to the Ukraine conflict, but any negotiations must address Moscow’s concerns, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated during a press conference on December 26. “We are always ready for consultations. [we] are open to talks, provided they address the root causes and principles outlined by President Putin in June,” Lavrov said.
During that statement, the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Russia’s four newly incorporated regions was among Moscow’s demands.
Paris appears determined to maintain its and the EU’s positions in the “high-stakes geopolitical game” surrounding Ukraine, said Pavel Timofeyev, head of the Section for Regional Issues and Conflicts at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO RAS).
While France initially sought to mediate the conflict in 2022, its stance gradually shifted to a more “hawkish” position towards Russia. Now, with Trump potentially returning to power—a figure who has publicly questioned continued US aid to Ukraine—European powers, particularly France, are recalibrating their strategies. According to Timofeyev, both Paris and Brussels are wary of being sidelined in possible Russia-US negotiations. Consequently, France is cautiously exploring a “slight rapprochement with Russia” and renewing dialogue on unresolved issues that might bypass Ukraine’s direct involvement, Timofeyev concluded.
Lavrov also offered measured criticism of Keith Kellogg, Trump’s nominee for special envoy to Ukraine, particularly for Kellogg’s characterization of the Minsk Accords as a failed “attempt” to settle the conflict.
Kellogg has repeatedly affirmed the US’ intention to address the Ukraine conflict under Trump’s leadership. He co-authored the so-called “plan for Ukraine,” which was reportedly presented to Trump in June 2024, according to Reuters. Under this plan, US aid to Kiev would be conditional upon Ukraine’s agreement to enter negotiations. The plan further stipulates that the terms of a ceasefire would be determined based on the military situation at the time of talks.
However, Kellogg’s proposal is not seen as a viable starting point for negotiations, said Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Politics magazine. Lukyanov suggested that Trump, Kellogg, and their European allies, such as Hungarian premier Viktor Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, think that it is necessary to conclude an armistice first and only then discuss the terms of a peace treaty. As a result, the conflict is likely to continue alongside attempts to reach a truce. “Combat operations persist until a peace treaty is finalized—not until a ceasefire,” the expert emphasized.
