Lavrov says Moscow waiting for US response, Alaska talks concept still alive
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow is awaiting Washington’s formal response to a proposal discussed during the August Alaska summit
MOSCOW, Russia (MNTV) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow is awaiting Washington’s formal response to a proposal discussed during the August Alaska summit, while warning that any US move to supply Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine could lead to a dangerous escalation.
In remarks published Wednesday by Kommersant, Lavrov said President Vladimir Putin had agreed “in principle” to the concept presented by US Special Envoy Steven Witkoff, which he said “reflects an understanding of the root causes of the conflict” — including NATO’s expansion and the status of territories under dispute.
“President Trump said he needed to consult with Washington. We are awaiting their response,” Lavrov said.
He dismissed Trump’s recent comments about sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, saying, “That is not a response to the concept discussed. None of his statements about Tomahawks have any bearing on what was discussed in Alaska.”
Lavrov accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and some European leaders of trying to divert Trump from the “Alaska track” by pushing for NATO membership and more Western arms.
He added that Moscow has proposed raising the level of negotiators and forming three working groups within the Istanbul process to address humanitarian, military, and political issues. “We acted in the spirit of goodwill, and we are waiting for their answer,” Lavrov said.
The Russian minister also referenced a Financial Times report suggesting US support for strikes on Russian energy facilities, saying he had ordered staff to seek clarification from Washington. He warned that Tomahawk deliveries “could lead to a serious escalation” and undermine efforts to normalize relations.
Lavrov praised Witkoff as “a very reasonable person,” contrasting him with US Special Ukraine Envoy Keith Kellogg, whom he accused of promoting a “de facto freeze without recognition” — a stance Moscow rejects.
The Alaska summit between Presidents Trump and Putin on Aug. 15 focused on ceasefire prospects and long-term security arrangements, with Trump emphasizing the need to avoid escalation while Kyiv continues to push for NATO integration and sustained Western military aid.
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