Russian media reported today that the key points of the meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and US Secretary of State Rubio are as follows:
???? The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Lavrov discussed the issue of resolving the Ukraine crisis with Rubio, and both sides confirmed their interest in seeking a peaceful solution.
???? The Russian Foreign Ministry added that Lavrov emphasized Moscow's willingness to abide by the guidelines on the Ukraine issue determined at the Alaska summit between the two countries' leaders.
???? Lavrov pointed out that the plans proposed by Ukraine and some European countries to prolong the conflict are unacceptable.
???? Lavrov and Rubio reached "consensus" on complex issues in bilateral relations, including the restoration of socio-political ties.
Comment: From the details of the statements, the "consensus" from this meeting between the US and Russia seems more like a diplomatic buffer of "talking past each other": Lavrov mentioned "abiding by the guidelines from the Alaska summit," which is essentially using past bilateral consensus to set the tone for current dialogue, avoiding any repeated shifts in the US stance on Ukraine; emphasizing "opposition to the plan to prolong the conflict" is a way to pressure Ukraine and Europe through US-Russia communication — implying that if they continue to refuse to negotiate, Russia will be more determined to push forward its military objectives. The "consensus" on restoring socio-political ties offers Russia an opportunity to ease Western isolation and gain breathing space in the civilian field, while for the US it is a small opening for civil exchanges under the premise of not relaxing core sanctions, preventing US-Russia relations from completely breaking down.
However, this "superficial easing" cannot break the actual deadlock: Russia wants to "solidify battlefield achievements," while the US wants a "dignified ceasefire," and their definitions of a "peaceful solution" are completely different; more importantly, Ukraine was not involved in this dialogue. Even if the US and Russia reach an agreement, if Ukraine does not recognize it and Europe does not cooperate, the so-called "peaceful intention" will ultimately remain just a paper agreement between great powers, failing to truly ease the conflict.
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1844183423972552/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.