Lavrov says Russia will assess Witkoff and Kushner proposals on economic terms only, ruling out political concessions as envoys may brief Putin

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow would consider proposals from U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner only on their economic and financial merits, and would make no political concessions. Speaking to recent university graduates entering Russia’s diplomatic service, he said Moscow would consider an offer if it were economically and financially advantageous, but any agreement must involve neither political compromises nor expectations of diplomatic favors. Russia, he added, must rely solely on itself.

Lavrov also addressed U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to waive key Russia-related sanctions, arguing that Washington acted out of self-interest rather than permanently abandoning its duties.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow hoped Witkoff and Kushner would meet President Vladimir Putin in the near future. He described their diplomatic channel as important, timely and substantive, and said the Kremlin expected the envoys to brief Putin on their talks with Ukrainian and European officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Witkoff was expected to travel to Russia on Wednesday to convey peace proposals developed during talks with Nordic leaders in Oslo. Zelenskyy said Ukraine had clear ideas for achieving peace, was united with its European partners and wanted the Americans to take those ideas to Russia. He also reiterated calls for a possible trilateral summit of the leaders of Ukraine, Russia and the United States.