Lavrov Rejects Ceasefire, Blames West for Ukraine War Stalemate

Russia Rejects Ceasefire Calls Amidst Western Sanctions Pressure MOSCOW, May 21, 2025 — Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov delivered a strong statement rejecting calls for an immediate ceasefire. Lavrov accused France and the United Kingdom of pressuring the United States to join in further sanctions against Russia, hindering diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. "When they say, 'let's implement a ceasefire and see,' no, we've been through this, we know the story, we don't want such approaches," Lavrov stated, according to TASS news agency. He further criticized European leaders for their "hysterical" demands for increased sanctions against Moscow. The video footage shows Lavrov's intense expression as he delivers these remarks, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The ongoing conflict continues to be a major point of global concern, and Lavrov's statement highlights the significant obstacles to peace negotiations.