Russia Rejects Ukraine's Ceasefire Offer: Lavrov Cites Unresolved Issues

Russia Rejects Ukrainian Ceasefire Amidst Ongoing Conflict On May 21, 2025, Russia officially rejected Ukraine's proposed ceasefire, escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict. The announcement came from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who stated that several key issues must be resolved before any ceasefire can be considered. Lavrov's statement emphasized that the root causes of the war need to be addressed first, before any meaningful negotiations can take place. "The root causes of Russia's war needs to be resolved first," Lavrov stated in a press conference, highlighting the complexities of the situation. His comments directly challenged the international community's efforts to broker a peaceful resolution. This rejection comes as a significant setback to peace efforts. Lavrov's additional criticism of European leaders, accusing them of enabling the conflict, further complicates the situation. The ongoing conflict continues to have widespread global implications, impacting international relations and humanitarian efforts.