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The following is the full transcript of an interview with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, a portion of which aired on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on April 27, 2025.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We now turn to Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov. Good morning, Minister Lavrov. I would like to discuss the recent events in Kyiv. The capital city experienced a significant Russian attack around one o’clock this morning. President Trump has publicly stated that these strikes are unnecessary and poorly timed, urging, “Vladimir, STOP!” What justifies the decision to carry out attacks that result in civilian casualties when Ukraine is signaling a readiness for a ceasefire?
FOREIGN MINISTER SERGEY LAVROV: Our operations target military objectives or civilian areas that serve military purposes. President Putin has reiterated this repeatedly, and our current actions align with that stance. Unlike the Zelensky regime, we do not intentionally strike civilian sites.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Can we infer that this was a deliberate operation and not a miscalculation?
MINISTER LAVROV: If an area serves military functions for Ukraine, the military command has the right to engage those targets.
MARGARET BRENNAN: To clarify, when President Trump issues a request to “STOP,” does this indicate a rejection from your side? Is it an acknowledgment that the loss of civilian life was justified in this case?
MINISTER LAVROV: I can assure you that the targeted locations were not purely civilian, unlike the TV center in Belgrade during the 1999 conflict. We focus only on military-use sites. Regarding a ceasefire, President Putin had earlier supported President Trump’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, provided that we don’t repeat the mistakes of the last decade, where agreements were signed but then violated—often with backing from the Biden administration and European nations. This occurred with the February 2014 agreements, the Minsk agreements, and the Istanbul proposals from April 2022. Thus, while President Putin is open to a ceasefire, we require assurances that it will not be exploited to strengthen Ukraine’s military with ongoing arms supplies.
MARGARET BRENNAN: On March 11, Ukraine accepted a U.S.-brokered ceasefire without preconditions. Are you suggesting that you see negotiation as a prerequisite for ending the conflict?
MINISTER LAVROV: It’s not a precondition but rather a lesson from past experiences. We’ve seen similar agreements fail multiple times.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However, Russia appears to have originally rebuffed that ceasefire proposal.
MINISTER LAVROV: The Ukrainian government enjoys robust support from European capitals and the Biden administration. If the aim of a ceasefire is merely to continue supplying arms to Ukraine, what is the point? Leaders like Kaja Kallas and Mark Rutte have made their expectations for a ceasefire clear.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Will Russia persist with operations in Kyiv despite the U.S. urging you to stop?
MINISTER LAVROV: We will continue targeting sites utilized by Ukrainian military forces, foreign mercenaries, and international instructors. If you review the situation in the Kursk region, you will find no single military target hit in the last six months. President Trump’s call for a one-month moratorium on attacks against energy infrastructure was strictly observed by us, while Ukrainian forces violated agreements numerous times, a fact I have reported to Marco Rubio and the United Nations.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Ukraine disputes those claims. Moving on, President Trump suggested a potential agreement between the U.S. and Russia. Does President Putin concur with this proposition?
MINISTER LAVROV: President Trump rightly believes we are heading in a constructive direction. While he mentioned an agreement, there are specific elements that need refinement. We are engaged in that exact process. The President did not elaborate, so it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to comment further.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Trump also mentioned sending his envoy, Steve Witkoff, to meet with President Putin this Friday. Is that meeting still on schedule, and can we anticipate an agreement this week?
MINISTER LAVROV: Are you doubting the words of the U.S. President?
MARGARET BRENNAN: I was inquiring about what President Putin will convey to the U.S. envoy.
MINISTER LAVROV: We maintain continuous communication with the U.S. regarding the situation in Ukraine, and there are indicators that we are aligning on key issues. President Trump stands out as a leader who recognizes the need to address the fundamental causes of the conflict, notably the decision to pull Ukraine into NATO by the Biden administration, which he views as a mistake.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However, Ukraine is not a NATO member.
MINISTER LAVROV: Moreover, Marco Rubio recently indicated that the U.S. is gaining a clearer understanding of the Russian position. There are deeper fundamental issues at play aside from NATO expansion, including the rights of national minorities in Ukraine. Legislation has prohibited the use of Russian language in media, education, and culture. Human rights must be integral to this dialogue.
MARGARET BRENNAN: It is not illegal to speak Russian, as evidenced by the fact that the President of Ukraine himself speaks it.
MINISTER LAVROV: Consider what would happen if Israel banned Arabic in Palestine. Imagine the implications.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You indicated that the U.S. and Russia need to refine certain aspects of a prospective deal. Are there any specific details you are currently assembling as part of a formal proposal?
MINISTER LAVROV: We, out of respect, generally refrain from discussing ongoing negotiation topics publicly. For substantial inquiries, you would need to direct them to Zelensky, who is keen to broadcast his claims through media outlets.
MARGARET BRENNAN: He has stated he hasn’t received a formal proposal, so I am wondering about your stance.
MINISTER LAVROV: We are serious negotiators who consider concrete proposals. This process is not meant to be public until finalized.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So does this mean there is no imminent agreement?
MINISTER LAVROV: I did not claim that. Your eagerness for succinct responses seems aimed at producing catchy sound bites.
MARGARET BRENNAN: The U.S. President has asserted a deal is in the works, prompting my inquiry about the situation.
MINISTER LAVROV: The negotiations are ongoing, and until they conclude, we cannot reveal specifics.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Last month, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz claimed that President Trump seeks the return of thousands of Ukrainian children who were brought to Russia. What measures is Russia taking to fulfill this request?
MINISTER LAVROV: Long before any requests arose from Washington, we have been focused on the welfare of children displaced during the conflict. Most ended up in orphanages, and we facilitate their return when parents or relatives are identified. This has been part of ongoing discussions for nearly three years between our ombudsman and Ukraine.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, there isn’t an active initiative to return thousands of Ukrainian children on President Trump’s orders?
MINISTER LAVROV: There have been no specific actions prompted by that claim. We conduct exchanges with Ukraine every few months through intermediaries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, maintaining a collaborative approach to reuniting children with their families.
MARGARET BRENNAN: How can Russia assure the U.S. of its commitment to peace, particularly following the recent attack in Kyiv?
MINISTER LAVROV: We have already established various confidence-building measures in recent years. President Trump’s proposal for a moratorium on energy infrastructure strikes was adhered to strictly by us. Confidence also stems from resumed negotiations regarding the Black Sea agreements in Istanbul. However, if you believe that only Ukraine has an interest in building trust, that is a misconception.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you accept President Trump’s assertion that if Russia fails to broker a peace deal, he will impose new sanctions on Russian oil? Is the relationship between Russia and America significantly restored to avoid such outcomes?
MINISTER LAVROV: I cannot speculate on what you interpret from President Trump’s remarks.
MARGARET BRENNAN: What is your interpretation of the idea of new sanctions on Russian oil?
MINISTER LAVROV: We hear many statements from President Trump, including his frustration over the ongoing situation. His proposals have their own style, and we remain focused on genuine negotiations that advance our objectives.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Following your recent comments suggesting a preference to retain sanctions, why should the U.S. consider lifting them?
MINISTER LAVROV: My earlier statements clarify my position. Questions regarding American policy should be addressed directly to them.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You seem to express a desire for sanctions to remain. Is that an accurate assessment?
MINISTER LAVROV: While I don’t want to reiterate what I’ve clearly stated, it is evident that my views are well-understood.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Back in February, Kirill Dmitriev expressed optimism about American firms returning to the Russian market. Can you clarify that statement?
MINISTER LAVROV: President Putin commented on this, indicating that while we welcome American businesses, those that exited might find their positions occupied by other investors. We would evaluate any new proposals from American companies based on mutual interests.
MARGARET BRENNAN: What types of U.S. offers have been discussed regarding lifting sanctions, given the current limitations for American businesses?
MINISTER LAVROV: It is up to them to determine their course of action.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, no concrete offers have been extended?
MINISTER LAVROV: We cannot make specific offers in this context.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Have any proposals come from the U.S. side to engage in collaboration?
MINISTER LAVROV: The U.S. has expressed interest in business opportunities. We are open to mutually beneficial arrangements, but I cannot comment on the specifics mentioned in media reports.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, if I am interpreting correctly, you neither fear sanctions nor advocate for their removal?
MINISTER LAVROV: You accurately presented my position.
MARGARET BRENNAN: As President Trump warns against sanctions, do you regard it as a negligible concern?
MINISTER LAVROV: This topic has been addressed already. A concise answer would suffice.
MARGARET BRENNAN: In discussing the current situation, analysts indicate that about 18% of Ukrainian territory is now under Russian control, and U.S. intelligence suggests favorable trends for Russia. Based on these circumstances, what assurance can the U.S. have that Russia is committed to peace?
MINISTER LAVROV: We rely on the response from U.S. officials regarding our discussions, which are held confidentially. Importantly, there are indications from American leaders that they now perceive the Russian perspective more clearly.
MARGARET BRENNAN: President Trump indicated that he plans to meet with President Putin soon. What might be a suitable timeframe and venue for this discussion, and what is the rationale for such a meeting?
MINISTER LAVROV: The timing and logistics of such engagements are at the discretion of the Presidents. I understand President Trump has suggested mid-May for potential engagements.
MARGARET BRENNAN: President Trump mentioned he might not meet in Saudi Arabia but will propose alternative dates.
MINISTER LAVROV: It seems we have both read the same reports.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However, what preparations is the Russian side making for the two leaders to convene?
MINISTER LAVROV: It’s necessary to clarify that a foreign minister should not preemptively speculate on what the two Presidents will discuss.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you believe a meeting between the two would be beneficial? Is that what Envoy Witkoff is negotiating?
MINISTER LAVROV: We always favor dialogue with those willing to engage. President Putin has stated this repeatedly, and previous discussions with U.S. representatives have established the importance of dialogue in managing differing national interests.
MARGARET BRENNAN: President Trump is nearing his 100th day in office and has shown impatience with ongoing diplomacy. Is there a prospect for continued U.S.-Russia dialogue, even if peace discussions falter?
MINISTER LAVROV: Russia remains committed to dialogue. Your presumption regarding the outcome of current negotiations is premature. We concentrate on our engagements rather than prejudging potential successes or failures.
MARGARET BRENNAN: President Trump and Secretary Rubio have indicated that immediate decisions are crucial, expressing a sense of urgency. How do you respond to that?
MINISTER LAVROV: We understand the urgency, as that’s part of American culture, but such pressures can distort the realpolitik necessary for effective negotiations. We remain prepared for dialogue and negotiations without assuming the worst outcomes.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Some Russian officials have suggested potential collaboration with the U.S. in the Arctic. Are there specific avenues for cooperation currently being explored?
MINISTER LAVROV: You are seeking premature disclosures about discussions that should occur between relevant officials. Engaging in negotiations is not the same as making public proclamations on the issues at hand.
MARGARET BRENNAN: What potential exists for cooperation?
MINISTER LAVROV: As President Trump advises, negotiation details should not be revealed prematurely. Such strategies are essential for successful negotiation.
MARGARET BRENNAN: President Trump has advocated for collaborative efforts with Ukraine to manage the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Do you support that suggestion?
MINISTER LAVROV: We have not received any formal proposal of that nature. The Zaporizhzhia plant is managed by the Russian state corporation, Rosatom, under IAEA supervision. Its safety protocols are being robustly followed, hence no transitions in management can be entertained.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So that’s a definitive no?
MINISTER LAVROV: Correct, no changes are being considered.
MARGARET BRENNAN: This public statement was from the White House. Are there ongoing negotiations concerning Zaporizhzhia?
MINISTER LAVROV: I’ve already clarified that it is not a topic being negotiated at present.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Is there any component of the U.S. proposal that aligns with Russian interests?
MINISTER LAVROV: Besides our earlier comments, normal negotiators do not disclose their discussions through public platforms. Direct dialogue is how negotiations should proceed.
MARGARET BRENNAN: With your extensive experience in diplomacy, would you not agree that a structured international approach would be more advantageous than the current model?
MINISTER LAVROV: You did not express concern over the lack of international diplomacy throughout the Biden administration, nor have you noted European concerns about their marginalization in these talks.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I was inquiring about your sentiment on the dynamics of high-level negotiations.
MINISTER LAVROV: The current U.S. administration is more focused on U.S. interests and exhibits an understanding of Russia’s position—an important development for our dialogue.
MARGARET BRENNAN: In January, Russia cemented a strategic partnership with Iran. Would Russia consider ending that partnership if the U.S. requested it to improve relations?
MINISTER LAVROV: We have not received such a request and support any positive dialogue between the U.S. and Iran, if both sides find it beneficial.
MARGARET BRENNAN: During your involvement with the JCPOA, Russia played a vital role. Would you again provide support like overseeing Iran’s nuclear resources?
MINISTER LAVROV: We previously facilitated moving some of Iran’s material for safe keeping but would avoid direct involvement in ongoing negotiations.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Would you then agree to store Iran’s nuclear material currently being produced? Is that an actionable offer?
MINISTER LAVROV: We are willing to assist in the U.S.-Iran dialogue if both sides perceive our involvement as helpful.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Given current political circumstances, I want to address concerns about nuclear weapons. Recent U.S. intelligence has reported that Russia is developing a satellite capable of carrying nuclear payloads that could knock-out other satellites. Is Russia prepared to breach past treaties to deploy a nuclear weapon in space?
MINISTER LAVROV: Before alleging this, one must verify the claims. U.S. intelligence has a history of inaccuracies. We have championed a resolution in the UN, advocating against the deployment of any nuclear arms in outer space, a stance opposed by the U.S.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Are you suggesting that findings from U.S. intelligence regarding Russia’s satellite initiatives are misinformed?
MINISTER LAVROV: We refute these claims; our consistent proposal is a treaty prohibiting weapons in space, with the U.S. historically opposing this stance.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you view arms control negotiations with the United States as viable under the current administration’s direction?
MINISTER LAVROV: The United States disrupted previous strategic stability efforts. Should they express genuine intent to restore dialogue, we are willing to discuss the conditions under which this might happen.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Before we conclude, I want to acknowledge that you have not indicated any willingness to make concessions thus far.
MINISTER LAVROV: Your assessment is incorrect.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Could you provide examples of concessions from Russia?
MINISTER LAVROV: I have consistently articulated our readiness to seek a balance of interests regarding Ukraine and bilateral relations with the U.S. If that doesn’t qualify as readiness to negotiate, I am unsure how else to express it succinctly.
MARGARET BRENNAN: The Vice President of the U.S. claimed that the present lines in Ukraine would solidify, which could be perceived as a concession. Could you view that as an agreement?
MINISTER LAVROV: I will not publicly discuss negotiation details.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you for your insights this morning, Minister Lavrov.
MINISTER LAVROV: Thank you.
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