Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Says the Fate of War in Ukraine Will Be Decided by Soldiers, Not Peace Talks Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized Ukrainian President Zelensky’s public letter to Vladimir Putin, calling it a “PR move” and rude behavior that indicates Ukraine’s lack of interest in negotiation. Lavrov stated that Russia believes the outcome of the war will be determined by actions on the front lines, not by negotiations, and that “guns will do the talking.” He also emphasized that a central condition for a long-term settlement is the full restoration of rights for Russian speakers in Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of discrimination and Russophobia.

• Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov characterized Zelensky’s letter to Putin as a public relations stunt rather than a genuine peace overture.
• Lavrov stated that the circulation of the letter globally was impolite and demonstrated Ukraine’s disinterest in negotiations.
• Russia believes the war’s outcome will be decided by military actions on the ground, not by peace talks.
• A key Russian condition for a settlement is the restoration of rights for Russian speakers in Ukraine.
• Lavrov accused Ukraine of discrimination and Russophobia against its Russian minority.