MOSCOW (Realist English). Russia is ready for dialogue with the US on the Ukrainian settlement, but Europe insists on ultimatums and the extension of sanctions, Sergey Lavrov said. The Russian Foreign Minister made the statement on June 19 at a joint press conference with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar, A. Ndiaye, following talks in Moscow.
Lavrov noted the progressive development of bilateral relations, confirmed by the meeting of the presidents of Russia and Madagascar in February. The sides agreed to expand cooperation in energy, transport, geological exploration and mining.
Special attention was paid to the use of Madagascar’s debt to Russia in the “debt-for-development” format, as well as personnel training and humanitarian assistance. A memorandum of cooperation with MGIMO was signed for internships for Malagasy diplomats.
Lavrov emphasized Russia’s strategic line of promoting industrialization in Africa, in contrast to the West, which, according to him, “pumps out resources” and maintains an illegal presence on the continent. Russia intends to strengthen cooperation with the African Union and hold the third Russia-Africa summit in Moscow in October 2026.
Ukraine: readiness for dialogue with the US and criticism of Europe
Lavrov confirmed Russia’s commitment to the agreements reached at the meeting of Presidents Putin and Trump in Alaska in August 2025. “We are committed to the paths of settlement that the American side proposed to us at the summit in Anchorage,” the minister said.
He noted that the Trump administration supports dialogue, unlike Europe, which “claims to be a mediator but issues ultimatums.” Lavrov recalled the five points put forward by the leaders of Great Britain, Germany and France after their meeting with Zelenskyy in London on June 7, which were then handed over to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
“A very strange tactic. This can be called anything, but not normal politics and diplomacy,” he stressed.
The minister also drew attention to the EU’s decision to extend anti-Russian sanctions for a whole year, calling it an “extra signal” that Europe intends to achieve Russia’s capitulation.
US and Iran: waiting for visits by Witkoff and Kushner
Lavrov said that the dates for the visit of US President’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow have not yet been determined, as they were busy with Iranian issues. However, after the signing of the memorandum between the US and Iran, the negotiations on details were postponed. Russia, according to Lavrov, is ready to provide assistance on issues concerning stocks of enriched uranium.
The minister also expressed hope that American colleagues, while visiting Russia, would become familiar with the facts “showing the essence of the Kyiv regime,” including terrorist acts, and that this would affect their position. Lavrov recalled that Trump at the Alaska meeting was “horrifically surprised” by the ban in Ukraine on the Russian language and the canonical Orthodox Church.
Middle East and international coordination
The sides discussed the situation in the Middle East, including the signed memorandum between Washington and Tehran. Lavrov expressed hope that this would prevent a resurgence of violence. Russia also advocates for increasing Africa’s role in global governance and supports the UN resolution on combating colonialism.
