The key facts
- Trump believes Russia would like a settlement of the conflict in Ukraine
- Lavrov: Russia is ready for economic deals with the US, but without concessions
- Lavrov urged not to overestimate Trump's rejection of the sanctions law
Trump's statement
US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that, in his view, Russia is seeking a settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. “I think what’s happening is that Russia would like to see this done,” he said, answering questions about the settlement. It is noted that the American leader has previously spoken repeatedly about the need to end the conflict in Ukraine.
Lavrov's position
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russia is ready for economic deals with the US but does not intend to make concessions for their sake. He also urged not to overestimate Donald Trump's decision to refrain from applying the sanctions law, recalling that in the US each new president can revise the policy of his predecessor. According to Lavrov, Moscow has information on how the White House conducts business with neighbors and partners in Africa and Latin America, so the Russian side does not expect any miracles from relations with Washington.
