Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov rejected a proposal reportedly originating from President-elect Donald Trump’s team aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine, which is set to mark its fourth anniversary this February.
“We are not satisfied with the proposals made on behalf of representatives of the president-elect's team to delay Ukraine’s NATO membership for 20 years or to introduce a peacekeeping contingent of British and European forces in Ukraine,” Lavrov stated in an interview with TASS, the official news agency of the Russian government.
Lavrov’s remarks hint at the combative stance that Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely to adopt in dealings with Trump regarding Ukraine. For Trump, known for his negotiating prowess, reaching an agreement with Putin may prove nearly impossible.
During his annual press conference last month, Putin expressed reluctance to pursue a peace deal with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration. When asked if there were any preconditions for beginning negotiations, Putin denied having prerequisites. However, he clarified that Russia would only “sign documents” with representatives of what it considers “legitimate authorities.”
Putin dismissed Zelenskyy’s government as illegitimate, citing Ukraine’s constitutional limits on extending presidential terms—even during wartime. Zelenskyy’s term officially ended on May 20. “If someone runs for elections and gains legitimacy, we will talk with anyone, including Zelenskyy,” Putin added.
Putin argued that only the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine’s parliament) and its chairman, Ruslan Stefanchuk, were constitutionally legitimate, as the Rada’s authority can be extended during wartime. However, he claimed that the Rada is controlled by Zelenskyy’s party, The Servant of the People, which holds a parliamentary majority. This, according to Putin, undermines the legitimacy of both the Rada and its decisions.
Putin also ruled out a ceasefire. When asked by a Russian journalist about halting combat to “stop the war,” referencing comments by Trump and his envoy, retired Lieutenant-General Keith Kellogg, Putin dismissed the idea. “To suspend combat operations for a week means giving the adversary an opportunity to consolidate, rearm, and regroup,” he argued, emphasizing the need to maintain momentum against Ukrainian forces.
Putin appears confident in his ability to outlast Ukraine or negotiate on terms favorable to Russia—terms that are unacceptable to the U.S. and, likely, even Trump’s team. Russia’s demands include retaining 20% of Ukrainian territory, keeping Crimea, securing Ukraine’s neutrality with no path to NATO membership, lifting Western sanctions, and obtaining recognition of annexed territories.
Putin’s confidence stems from Russia’s strategic advantages, including superior manpower, defense capabilities, and military-industrial capacity. Russia’s population is three times larger than Ukraine’s, and Moscow continues to mobilize additional troops, recently increasing its armed forces by 180,000 personnel. Moreover, Russia has received support from allies, including 11,000 North Korean soldiers.
Putin has even indirectly taunted Trump’s team, proposing a “21st-century high-tech duel” to test U.S. air and missile defense systems against Russia’s Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which he suggested could target Kyiv. “We are ready for such an experiment. But is the other side ready?” Putin challenged.
Regarding potential talks with Trump, Putin signaled that the initiative must come from Washington. “I haven’t spoken with him for more than four years,” Putin said, adding that he is “ready to talk anytime” but does not believe Russia is in a weaker position. He argued that Russia has grown stronger in recent years by becoming more self-reliant and reducing dependence on Western economies.
Putin’s measures include an import-substitution program across Russian industries, de-dollarization of Russia’s financial reserves, and strengthening ties with non-Western nations, such as China, Iran, and North Korea.
Given Putin’s hardline approach and the limited leverage the U.S. holds over Russia, Trump’s team will need innovative strategies to fulfill his campaign promise to bring peace to Ukraine.
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