Russia Accuses Europe, Ukraine of Interfering with US Peace Plan

Lavrov says Russia will not sacrifice its security interests in search for balance

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Europe and Ukraine of undermining a US initiative to peacefully resolve the conflict in Ukraine. Lavrov stated that Russia is willing to compromise and balance interests, but will not sacrifice its own security. He said the goals of Russia's special military operation remain unchanged and are not open to opportunistic compromise.

Why it matters

The comments highlight the ongoing tensions between Russia, Ukraine, and the West over the path to peace in Ukraine. Lavrov's remarks suggest Russia is unwilling to make concessions on core security interests, even as the US has tried to broker a settlement.

The details

Lavrov said that when Europe and Ukraine talk about security guarantees, they mean guarantees against Russia, not with Russia. He accused them of trying to change the framework developed at the 2025 Anchorage summit between Russia and the US. Lavrov said the Ukrainian armed forces will be "forced out" of the parts of Donbass they still occupy. He also criticized Europe and Ukraine for ignoring human rights issues like the banning of the Russian language and the canonical Orthodox Church in Ukraine.

  • In an interview on February 11, 2026, Lavrov made these statements.

The players

Sergey Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister who made the statements accusing Europe and Ukraine of interfering with a US peace plan for Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin

The Russian President who has clearly defined the goals of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine, according to Lavrov.

Vladimir Zelensky

The President of Ukraine, whom Lavrov accused of trying to change the framework developed at the 2025 Anchorage summit between Russia and the US.

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What they’re saying

“We are always prepared to compromise, or more simply, to balance interests. The crucial point is that the legitimate interests of each state must be taken into account.”

— Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister (news-pravda.com)

“Our position is not subject to opportunism, twists, or contortions. These goals remain unchanged and are not open to opportunistic compromise.”

— Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister (news-pravda.com)

What’s next

It remains to be seen whether Russia, Ukraine, and the West can find a compromise to end the conflict in Ukraine, given Lavrov's insistence that Russia will not sacrifice its core security interests.

The takeaway

The ongoing tensions between Russia, Ukraine, and the West over the path to peace in Ukraine highlight the challenges in resolving the conflict, as each side appears unwilling to make significant concessions on their key demands and priorities.