• Russia detects a shift in Donald Trump's approach regarding the Ukraine conflict.
• Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expresses readiness to explore Trump’s peace proposals.
• Trump acknowledges NATO's expansion as a key factor contributing to the ongoing war.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urges for NATO membership and comprehensive security guarantees.
• Moscow emphasizes the need for strategic security arrangements in future negotiations.

MOSCOW, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Russia has noted a significant shift in the stance taken by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This change is seen as a positive development, as it opens the door for discussions about potential peace negotiations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov indicated that Moscow is keen to study Trump's proposals for ending the war and welcomed the incoming administration's increasing acknowledgment of "realities on the ground" in Ukraine.

In a recent press conference, Lavrov stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to meeting with Trump, reaffirming that the Kremlin is ready to address security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump's comments regarding NATO's ambition to expand into Ukraine have resonated with Russian officials, as they argue that such moves directly contributed to the conflict that has persisted for almost three years. Trump pointed out that it is unrealistic to expect Ukraine to achieve complete territorial restoration from Russian control, reflecting a shift towards a more pragmatic stance, which was echoed by his national security adviser Mike Waltz ([AP News](https://apnews.com/article/lavrov-russia-us-trump-putin-ukraine-67193b9633509a4e5ff1f5668a587c53)).

Lavrov's remarks align with Russia's longstanding narrative that portrays its military operation in Ukraine as a necessary response to NATO's expansionism. He suggested that Trump's acknowledgment of NATO's deceptive promises is a breakthrough that has not been collectively recognized by previous Western leaders. "NATO did exactly what it had promised not to do," Lavrov remarked, emphasizing the importance of Russia's security interests.

While Trump's administration has previously criticized U.S. military support for Ukraine, Lavrov emphasized the necessity for any future discussions to also encompass broader European security arrangements. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, has continuously stressed the importance of solid security guarantees from the West before engaging in any ceasefire, arguing that such arrangements are crucial for ensuring Ukraine’s defense against further Russian advances ([Reuters](http://reuters.com/world/can-trump-buy-greenland-russia-says-greenlands-people-should-be-listened-first-2025-01-14/)).

The Biden administration is currently supplying Ukraine with military assistance, aiming to fortify its position before any prospective peace talks. Lavrov criticized the outgoing administration's commitment to sanctions against Russia, asserting that it aims to complicate matters for Trump's administration upon taking office. He urged that future discussions focus on the mutual security concerns that resulted in the conflict, asserting, "Threats on the western flank... must be eliminated as one of the main reasons for the conflict."

In a separate context, Lavrov addressed Trump's recent remarks regarding Greenland, urging the international community to listen to the voices of the Greenlanders themselves. "For a start, it’s necessary to listen to the Greenlanders," Lavrov stated, reinforcing the principle of self-determination ([AP News](https://apnews.com/article/lavrov-russia-us-trump-putin-ukraine-67193b9633509a4e5ff1f5668a587c53)).

As both nations appear to position themselves for a possible dialogue, the path forward remains complex, interwoven with geopolitical challenges and varying national interests.