Lavrov Rejects Immediate Ukraine Ceasefire, Citing Need for 'Complete Capitulation'

Lavrov Reaffirms Russia's Stance on Ukraine Ceasefire

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has once again stated that Russia is unwilling to agree to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine unless it results in what Moscow terms Ukraine's 'complete capitulation' and addresses the 'root causes' of the conflict. The remarks, made on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, underscore Russia's maximalist demands and highlight the deep divisions preventing a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Lavrov's statements came in response to recent international calls for a cessation of hostilities, including proposals from U.S. President Donald Trump and a joint statement from European leaders.

Russia's Conditions for a 'Long-Term Stable Peace'

According to Lavrov, Russia does not seek a short-term ceasefire that 'leads nowhere,' but rather a 'long-term stable peace' based on specific conditions. These conditions, which Moscow refers to as the 'root causes' of the conflict, include:

• Ukraine's non-aligned, non-nuclear status, implying a permanent disavowal of joining NATO.
• Protection for Russian speakers in Ukraine.
• Recognition of Russia's territorial gains, specifically demanding full control over the entire Donbas region, encompassing Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts, and potentially other territories.
• Restrictions on the size of Ukraine's military and an end to future Western military assistance.

Lavrov asserted that an immediate ceasefire without these fundamental changes would be unacceptable, claiming it would 'preserve the Nazi regime' and lead to the 'banning the Russian language' in Ukraine. He also argued that a temporary truce would merely allow Ukraine to rearm and continue mobilization efforts.

International Reactions and Stalled Diplomacy

The Russian foreign minister's comments have further complicated international efforts to broker peace. U.S. President Donald Trump had recently proposed a ceasefire along the existing line of contact, a stance that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders have largely supported. However, Russia has explicitly rejected this proposal, demanding more territory before any ceasefire can take effect.

A planned summit between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, intended to advance peace efforts, has been put on hold following Moscow's rejection of an immediate ceasefire. Discussions between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Lavrov, meant to lay the groundwork for such a summit, reportedly highlighted significant differences, leading to the postponement of a potential meeting.

Deep Divisions Persist

The reiterated demands from Russia underscore the deep chasm between the warring parties and international mediators. While Ukraine and its European allies advocate for a ceasefire along current battle lines as a starting point for negotiations, Russia insists on a comprehensive settlement that aligns with its strategic objectives, effectively demanding Ukraine's capitulation to end the conflict.