Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has dismissed US President Donald Trump's call for a ceasefire in Ukraine, stating that a ceasefire would be a 'dead end' and allow Ukrainian forces to strengthen their military capabilities. Lavrov emphasized the need for a 'decisive and legally binding' agreement that would ensure Russia's security and that of its neighbors.
As Russian forces make slow gains on the battlefield, Ukraine is focused on defense. Trump and his advisors have suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin could maintain de facto control over nearly 20% of occupied Ukrainian territory.
In a softening of his tone, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that his government may recover lost territory through diplomatic means.
Moscow has also demanded that Ukraine formally abandon its aspirations to join NATO and agree to strict limits on troop numbers.
Kiev has rejected these demands, firmly standing by its commitment to join the military alliance.
Our source: [Caus.com](https://caus.com/all-articles/news/412160/)