Lavrov says Russia will intensify efforts to dismantle Western support for Ukraine

MOSCOW — Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday that Moscow will step up measures against Western countries providing arms and other support to Ukraine, accusing that assistance of bolstering Kyiv's war effort. Speaking in Moscow, Lavrov said a ceasefire in Ukraine could only follow a comprehensive, long-term settlement, and that an immediate halt to fighting was not feasible. He argued that any Western backing for Ukraine only strengthens the country's military capability, and that Russia will intensify steps aimed at removing that support. Lavrov also said Russia has requested clarification from the U.S. State Department over reports that the United States was involved in Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory. He noted that those reports of U.S. involvement in the attacks had not yet been officially confirmed. No further details were immediately available on the specific measures Russia plans to take or on the U.S. response to the diplomatic note.