(MENAFN) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday acknowledged that US President Donald Trump’s desire to end conflicts is commendable but emphasized that achieving lasting peace requires more thorough and patient efforts.

Speaking to the public organization Franco-Russian Dialogue in Moscow, Lavrov declined to comment directly on Trump’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine, citing inconsistent reactions from Kyiv. “It is difficult for me to comment on such speculations. We remain in a position where, of course, a diplomatic settlement is preferable,” he said.

Lavrov criticized US foreign policy for attempting to impose its will globally and warned of growing instability in international trade and investment. He noted that while Trump has claimed to have “ended” eight wars, these measures only temporarily halted hostilities without addressing underlying causes. “The desire to immediately stop the bloodshed deserves every encouragement. But in order to resolve this in the long term, much more painstaking, patient, and non-fussy initiatives are needed,” he stressed.

The minister also questioned Europe’s approach toward Russia, highlighting perceived contradictions. “How can you fear us, if in your opinion we cannot defeat even Ukraine, and Europe has several times bigger population than Russia?” he asked.

Commenting on France-Ukraine agreements, Lavrov referenced the deal for 100 Rafale fighter jets and jokingly noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously signed a 100-year agreement with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “I think he likes the number 100,” he remarked.

Regarding French President Emmanuel Macron’s suggestion that France might join BRICS, Lavrov expressed doubt over achieving consensus among current members. “I don't think there is a consensus in the BRICS or that even the majority of the BRICS members will be happy to see France with the positions it occupies in the global economy, politics, and finance,” he said.

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