Russia Rejects 'Timeline' for Ending Ukraine War, Says Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Amid Peace Talks

Moscow: Russia again stressed that it will not set a timeline for ending the war in Ukraine, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov saying Moscow has “tasks, not deadlines,” in comments carried by state media on Thursday. The remarks, reported by AFP, underscore a firm Russian position just as separate U.S.-led discussions with Ukraine are underway in Geneva aimed at pressing for progress toward ending the conflict.

Lavrov’s statement — made shortly before a fresh round of negotiations involving Ukrainian and U.S. officials — signals that Russia is in no hurry to accept an externally imposed timeframe for a ceasefire or broader peace deal. Moscow’s insistence on its own terms comes as Kyiv has repeatedly rejected Russian demands that it regards as tantamount to surrender.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov echoed the sentiment, saying it was too early to forecast any stage of the peace process and that Russia remains focused on achieving its aims before agreeing to a negotiated outcome.

Russia’s comments reflect a broader backdrop in which Kyiv and Western allies continue to push for an end to hostilities, even as fighting persists along the frontlines. Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly asked for direct negotiations with Moscow to resolve core issues such as territorial control, but have so far stopped short of major breakthroughs.

Diplomatic and Military Context

The talks in Geneva — involving U.S. envoys and Ukrainian negotiators — are part of ongoing international efforts to find common ground, even as Moscow maintains its firm stance. Ukrainian officials argue Russia’s refusal to set conditions for peace or engage in direct talks with Kyiv hampers any meaningful resolution.

Russia’s reluctance to agree to a defined schedule for ending the war comes amid continued international calls for a ceasefire and renewed diplomatic momentum aimed at reducing the toll of a conflict now in its fifth year.