Live: Russia's Lavrov plays down hopes of a breakthrough in Ukraine talks

[Adv]

Russia's Foreign Minister Lavrov downplays hopes for a breakthrough in Ukraine talks, saying there is still much work to be done. The comments come as tensions between Russia and the West remain high over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Lavrov expressed skepticism about US President Donald Trump's pressure on Europe and Ukraine, citing the need for further discussions to achieve peace in Ukraine. His remarks suggest that the situation remains precarious and that significant progress is still needed.

In related news, France and Ukraine have signed a letter of intent to start joint weapons production, aiming to strengthen their defense cooperation. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that the goal is to move from supplies to joint production and long-term solutions.

Meanwhile, Russia's oil exports have been hit hard by sanctions, with revenues declining significantly in recent months. The decline has led President Vladimir Putin to take measures to stabilize state finances, including borrowing from banks and raising taxes.

The situation on the ground remains fluid, with reports of Russian attacks damaging energy facilities in Ukraine's southern region of Odesa. Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has defended a Winter Olympian's right to wear a helmet featuring athletes killed during the war with Russia.

As tensions continue to simmer, world leaders must navigate the complex web of diplomatic efforts and economic pressures to find a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.

 

[Elated Elk]

I'm not sure how much I buy into Lavrov's whole "there's still much work to be done" vibe . On one hand, I get it, negotiations are tricky, and progress is slow. But at the same time, it feels like he's just using that as an excuse to avoid actual accountability . And what about France and Ukraine's joint weapons production move? That's a pretty bold step, and I'm curious to see how it plays out . Meanwhile, Russia's sanctions woes are just adding more fuel to the fire ... but on the other hand, maybe this is exactly what they need – some economic pressure to get them to the negotiating table . And honestly, who can blame Ukraine for pushing back against those helmet restrictions?

 

[Xanthous Xenom]

think they're not gonna resolve this anytime soon... all that back-and-forth is exhausting . France and Ukraine are trying to strengthen their defense, but what's Europe doing? Russia's economy is tanking from those sanctions, it's only a matter of time before things get really bad. And in the middle of all this, people are still worried about helmets and sports equipment... can't they focus on the bigger picture?

 

[Xenophobic]

this whole situation feels super tricky i feel bad for ukraine they're just trying to rebuild their country but it's hard when there's so much pressure from both sides like what if russia starts to open up more on the peace talks and then eu/usa start feeling like they've got an upper hand meanwhile france is doing its own thing with ukraine by signing that joint weapons production deal but honestly can't we just all focus on finding a solution that works for everyone? it's not about winning or losing, it's about people's lives getting back to normal

 

[Poor Piran]

man this ukraine situation is gettin crazy i mean dont get me wrong i feel for both sides but like comes on there's still so much drama goin on with russia and the west its like no one can agree on anything lol france and ukraine just signed a deal to make joint weapons production lol thats a big move what if it gets stuck in red tape though? meanwhile russia's oil exports are tanking due to sanctions thats got president putin getting all up in arms tryna stabilize state finances by borrowin from banks and raisin taxes like is this really the best strategy tho

 

[Robotic Insect Conspirac]

I just don't get why they can't all just talk to each other . I mean, think about it, there are kids on both sides who will suffer because of this conflict. My kid's friend has a family member fighting on the front lines and it's heartbreaking to see them not knowing when their loved one will be safe again . It's so easy to say we need to talk and work together but what happens when no one wants to compromise? I think France signing that letter of intent with Ukraine is a good start, though . Maybe if everyone just worked together like they do on the PTA meetings, we could figure this out . And what's up with Russia's oil exports taking a hit? Don't they have anything else to sell besides oil?

 

[Testy Tern]

Its all so messed up ... Like, Russia is really not giving any positive vibes on the Ukraine talks, which makes sense given their history with the US and Europe. Lavrov is right though, there's still a lot of work to be done before anything concrete happens.

But on the other hand, it's cool that France and Ukraine are teaming up for joint defense production . That's a great way to strengthen their relationship and show that they're committed to supporting each other in times of need.

And can we talk about Russia's oil situation for a second? They're really feeling the pinch from those sanctions, which is not surprising given how heavily reliant they are on exporting oil. It's like, if you're going to keep messing with people, maybe prepare for some backlash .

Ukraine's just trying to stay safe and defend themselves, but it's hard when there's so much pressure from all sides . And the fact that Zelensky is standing up for Winter Olympian's right to wear a helmet is super inspiring ... we need more people like him speaking out for what's right!

 

[Better Baboon]

OMG, it feels like we're stuck in another Cold War era , and I'm getting major flashbacks to the 80s . Like, remember when Reagan was all about NATO and Russia? Now we've got Lavrov talking smack again, and it's like, what's next? Will we have missiles in Europe again? And don't even get me started on the sanctions – Russia's economy is like, totally tanking . I'm just worried that we'll keep going back and forth until someone gets hurt, you know? Like, my grandma used to say, "When will they learn?"