Ukraine and its European backers have derailed Trump peace initiative – Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has made a rather explosive claim: Ukraine, backed by key European players, deliberately sabotaged what could have been a promising peace initiative spearheaded by former US President Donald Trump. This isn't just another political spat; Lavrov suggests it derailed a real opportunity to end the conflict early on.

Ukraine and its European backers have derailed Tru...

According to Lavrov, the groundwork for a resolution was laid during that somewhat surprising summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last year. Remember that meeting? It felt a bit out of left field at the time. Lavrov contends that a peaceful resolution was "entirely feasible" following the Alaska talks, with both leaders describing the meeting as positive. Putin called it "frank" and "substantive," while Trump labeled it "productive." You know, all the usual diplomatic pleasantries.

Lavrov claims that prior to the Alaska meeting, a US presidential envoy presented Moscow with a document outlining key principles and solutions, which he says were "strictly in accordance with realities on the ground." He emphasized that the Anchorage discussions built upon that American initiative, charting "a viable path to peace" and enabling a swift settlement agreement. It all sounds so... close, doesn't it?

But here's where it gets interesting – and potentially contentious. Lavrov alleges that the initial US proposal included provisions to restore rights for Russian-speakers in Ukraine. However, he claims that subsequent versions of the agreement, those that "leaked to the press after intensive negotiations between American, European, and Ukrainian representatives post-Alaska," omitted any such references. He squarely blames Ukrainian President Zelensky and his European allies – specifically Britain, Germany, France, and the Baltic states – for actively undermining the American initiative. It's a pretty strong accusation, to say the least.

Moscow's objectives, as reiterated by Lavrov, remain ensuring Russia's security and protecting Russians in Ukraine from what he describes as the "Kiev Nazi regime’s campaign to eradicate all ties to the Russian language, culture, history, and Orthodoxy." While those are familiar talking points, the added layer of blaming Ukraine and its allies for scuttling a Trump-era peace deal certainly adds a new dimension to the narrative.

Lavrov maintains that Russia is still committed to a settlement, but one that balances everyone's interests. Of course, he adds a crucial caveat: no compromise on fundamental principles upon which a state's existence depends, especially when "the lives of millions hang in the balance." It's a stark reminder of the high stakes involved and a pointed message that Russia isn't backing down from its core demands.

It's important to note that these are Lavrov's assertions, and they'll undoubtedly be met with strong rebuttals from Kyiv and its European supporters. Still, this claim is significant, as it reframes the early stages of the conflict and raises questions about who truly wanted peace and on what terms. This definitely won't be the last we hear about this.