Lavrov warns Europe of retaliation as Zelenskyy opens reconstruction talks with Trump officials

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned on Wednesday that Moscow will retaliate if European governments deploy troops to Ukraine or seize frozen Russian assets to support Kyiv, according to Reuters.

Lavrov delivered the remarks before the Federation Council, Russia's upper house of parliament, outlining Moscow's stance on the war and its clash with the West. Reuters reported that Lavrov insisted Russia does not seek war with Europe but is prepared to act if it views Western countries as escalating the conflict.

"We will respond to any hostile steps, including the deployment of European military contingents in Ukraine and the expropriation of Russian assets. And we are already prepared for this response," Lavrov said, according to Reuters.

Lavrov also praised President Donald Trump's approach to a potential settlement, calling him the "only Western leader" who understands what he described as the reasons the war was "inevitable." He said Moscow appreciates Trump's interest in dialogue but noted Trump is "not only in no hurry to lift, but is actually increasing" sanctions on Russia, Reuters reported.

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Trump, speaking later on Monday at the White House, said he held calls with European leaders about the war. "The leaders of France, we spoke to and Germany and U.K., … we discussed Ukraine in pretty strong words, and we'll see what happens. And we're waiting to hear answers before we progress. You know, we're not spending any money in Ukraine."

Asked by a reporter for clarification, the president said: "I think we had some little disputes about people… They would like us to go to a meeting over the weekend in Europe, and we'll make a determination depending on what they come back with. We don't want to be wasting time… Sometimes you have to let people fight it out, and sometimes you don't… you're losing thousands of people a week, and it's ridiculous."

As Lavrov accused Europe of obstructing peace efforts, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced what he called the first formal meeting with senior Trump administration officials on Ukraine's reconstruction.

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In a post on X on Wednesday, Zelenskyy wrote: "Together with our team, I held a productive discussion with the American side... In fact, this could be considered the first meeting of the group that will work on a document concerning the reconstruction and economic recovery of Ukraine."

He said they discussed "key elements for recovery, various mechanisms, and visions for reconstruction" and reviewed updates to the "20 points of the framework document for ending the war." Zelenskyy added that "overall security… will determine economic security and underpin a safe business environment."

The Ukrainian president said both sides agreed to continue talks, adding: "As always, there will be no delays on our side. We are working to deliver results." He closed by thanking Trump, writing: "I thank President Trump and his team for their substantive work and support."

Later on Monday, Zelenskyy again posted on X where he said, "The 20 points for ending the war form a fundamental document. We are actively working on the key steps - they must be doable. From this fundamental document, we are developing at least two additional ones. The first is on security - regarding security guarantees with the United States. The second is on the economy, covering reconstruction and joint investment."
 

Reuters contributed to this article.