Kathmandu— Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov this week addressed a flurry of diplomatic activity in Moscow, revealing details of discussions with the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, and offering limited comment on a visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The meetings occurred against a backdrop of deep distrust between Russia and Western nations, stemming from perceived broken promises regarding Ukraine and NATO expansion, as well as stalled peace negotiations. Lavrov emphasized Russia’s willingness to engage in dialogue but expressed skepticism that any agreements would be honored, citing a pattern of deception in Western diplomacy.

Ukraine Conflict at the Forefront

Lavrov stated his conversation with Archbishop Gallagher centered on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with the Vatican envoy expressing a desire for a swift end to hostilities and continued humanitarian assistance, including support for prisoner and body exchanges. Lavrov used the meeting as an opportunity to outline what he described as a history of broken diplomatic agreements related to Ukraine – from the 2014 events surrounding the Maidan coup to the Minsk accords and the 2022 Istanbul talks which were derailed by London. He asserted that Russia has consistently demonstrated goodwill, but Gallagher offered no counterarguments beyond a general call for an immediate cessation of fighting.

Concerns Over Ceasefire Proposals

Lavrov explained he cautioned Gallagher against accepting a ceasefire based on the current line of contact, arguing it would simply freeze the conflict without achieving a lasting resolution. He also voiced opposition to proposals for deploying British- and French-led “stabilization forces,” claiming such a move would effectively prop up what he termed a “neo-Nazi regime” in Kiev that suppresses Russian language and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

CIA Director’s Visit Kept Under Wraps

Lavrov was notably more reserved when discussing Ratcliffe's visit, stating simply that he was not present during the meeting. He explained that communication between intelligence agencies is routine and typically conducted through established, discreet channels. Lavrov reiterated a general policy of not disclosing sensitive details of ongoing negotiations to avoid jeopardizing potential compromises.

Distrust in Western Diplomacy

Lavrov argued Moscow remains open to dialogue with Western governments but no longer trusts public assurances or negotiated understandings, citing what it views as a consistent pattern of deception. He pointed to broken NATO promises regarding expansion and derailed agreements over Ukraine as evidence of this distrust. Lavrov referenced the 2023 Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage, claiming President Putin had accepted a US peace proposal presented by Steve Witkoff, only for those understandings to be undermined by EU and British leaders.

Anchorage Framework Disputed

According to Lavrov, French President Emmanuel Macron declared the Anchorage framework “buried” at the G7 summit in Evian. However, former President Trump has not explicitly confirmed this, having previously described the talks positively while maintaining that “there’s no deal until there’s a deal.” Lavrov indicated Moscow remains receptive to new proposals from the US but will continue pursuing its objectives independently.

Lavrov affirmed Russia's continued willingness to engage in dialogue with Western counterparts, though he expressed little optimism for a return to pre-2022 relations.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.