Lavrov Says Ukraine Conflict Needs Security Guarantees for Russia

Ukrainian outlets frame Lavrov’s call for security guarantees as an attempt to lock in Russian gains and limit Ukraine’s future choices. They stress that any guarantees for Russia must not come at the expense of Ukraine’s sovereignty or its right to choose alliances. Regional reporting points to ongoing ceasefire violations and territorial disputes as proof that Moscow’s talk of only "a few kilometers" hides deeper disagreements.

• •Ukrainian media say Lavrov’s demand for security guarantees aims to cement Russian control over occupied territories.
• •Regional outlets argue that granting Russia special security terms could restrict Ukraine’s freedom to join NATO or the European Union.
• •Ukrainian reporting highlights that clashes and shelling continue despite the declared ceasefire.
• •Regional coverage disputes the idea that Russia and Ukraine differ only over a few kilometers, pointing to larger contested areas.
• •Ukrainian commentators warn that accepting Russia’s conditions could weaken international support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.