• Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claims the West is obstructing peace negotiations.
• Lavrov outlines a need for Ukraine’s neutrality and security guarantees from major powers.
• U.S. President Trump has pushed for direct talks between Zelenskyy and Putin.
• Russia demands Ukraine renounce NATO ambitions and keep Western troops out.
• Türkiye is mentioned as a possible guarantor in ensuring Ukraine's security.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Western nations on Sunday of intentionally obstructing efforts to negotiate peace in Ukraine. He claimed, "They're just looking for a pretext to block negotiations," during an interview with state broadcaster Rossiya. This accusation comes amid stalled diplomatic initiatives after U.S. President Donald Trump promoted a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with both sides blaming each other for the lack of dialogue, according to India Times and TRT Global.

Lavrov stressed that a security guarantee for Ukraine should involve major world powers, including United Nations Security Council members, and specified that Ukraine must remain neutral, non-aligned with military blocs, and non-nuclear. He reiterated Russia's position that NATO membership for Ukraine was unacceptable and emphasized the need for protection of Russian speakers within Ukraine's borders, as reported by Reuters and TRT Global.

In light of stalled discussions, Lavrov announced that "no meeting" is currently arranged between Zelenskyy and Putin and expressed hope that attempts to disrupt the peace process would be addressed. He criticized Zelenskyy's conditions for talks, which include binding security guarantees from allies before discussions can begin, positioning this as a disruptive strategy, according to India Times and Reuters.