Interview with Sergey Lavrov on "Face the Nation" – April 27, 2025

Margaret Brennan greets Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov: Minister Lavrov, let’s discuss the recent event in Kyiv—specifically, reports of a major Russian assault on the city during the early morning hours. President Trump publicly criticized the attack, calling it both unnecessary and badly timed, even citing, 'Vladimir, STOP!' How do you justify civilian casualties when Ukraine claims willingness for a ceasefire?

Sergey Lavrov responds stating, Russian military operations aim solely at military targets or civilian structures repurposed for military use. The stance is consistent, never intentionally targeting civilians, unlike what he deems the acts of the Zelensky regime.

Margaret Brennan asks if the strike was deliberate. Lavrov explains that if Ukrainians used the location for military purposes, it becomes a legitimate target for Russian defense operations.

Pressed about President Trump's plea of 'Vladimir, STOP!' Lavrov argues that the targeted operation was different from the intentional civilian-targeting attack in Belgrade, 1999. He assures attacks focus on sites used militarily and addresses ceasefire discussions, citing past agreement violations by Ukraine, allegedly supported by the Biden administration. He emphasizes the necessity of disarmament assurances before agreeing to any ceasefire.

Brennan notes Ukraine’s acceptance, on March 11, of a U.S.-mediated ceasefire without preconditions, but questions why Russia hasn't reciprocated. Lavrov differentiates between preconditions and learned lessons from prior agreements, asserting Ukrainian breaches undermine true negotiations.

Lavrov criticizes Western support for Ukraine, suggesting it aims to strengthen Ukraine against Russia. He implies these factors are contrary to President Trump’s intentions for peace.

Brennan queries Lavrov on continued targeting of Kyiv amidst Trump’s call to stop. Lavrov insists attacks continue only on military dispatches, bolstered by external instructors targeting Russian interests. He highlights a Trump-backed moratorium on certain infrastructural strikes that Russia abides by but alleges Ukrainian noncompliance.

Discussing President Trump’s claim of a U.S.-Russia deal, Lavrov acknowledges the progression toward an agreement, although further discussions are required to finalize elements not publicly disclosed.

When asked about U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's potential meeting with Putin, Lavrov implies readiness for ongoing dialogue and values Trump recognizing foundational issues in Ukraine, particularly NATO-related concerns.

Lavrov criticizes Western dismissal of Russian cultural rights in Ukraine, emphasizing repeated calls for dialogue and a shared understanding of interests, dismissing Ukraine's claims of any formal proposal.

Lavrov affirms ongoing confidential discussions without publicizing proposals outside the negotiation table, asserting serious diplomacy happens behind closed doors, contrary to the public approach by some parties.

In response to further inquiries about sanctions, Lavrov emphasizes Russia's adaptability to existing sanctions, suggesting hesitation over potential flooding of Russian markets by American goods if lifted unexpectedly.

Margaret Brennan explores the possibility of U.S. corporations re-entering Russia. Lavrov notes potential business continuation only if mutual agreements favoring Russian interests are met without disrupting current market replacements.

Discussing strategic dialogue potential, Lavrov stresses any future U.S.-Russia engagement must rest on mutual respect and balance of interests, amidst ongoing categorization of Russia as an adversary in U.S. policy documents.

Brennan challenges Lavrov on concessions, to which Lavrov insists Russia prioritizes equitable negotiations and sharing interests, voicing skepticism against public discussion of confidential agreements.

Closing Remarks

Brennan closes the dialogue noting Lavrov’s extensive experience in diplomacy, probing the state versus potential of personal envoy-based diplomacy, amidst Lavrov's defense of Russia's stance and methodology.