On March 25, 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov shared his thoughts on a critical misstep made by former U.S. President Joe Biden during negotiations with the American delegation in Riyadh.

Lavrov, in an interview with Channel One, emphasized the need for clarity in the new Black Sea initiative.

The Russian side expressed its concerns to the U.S., urging them to avoid any ambiguities, particularly after the fallout from the previous grain deal, which lasted from 2022 to 2023.

Russia’s Demandfs for Clarity on Grain Deal Terms

Lavrov explained that during the talks, the Russian delegation reminded their American counterparts of the terms of the earlier deal.

Back in 2022, Moscow had insisted that discriminatory sanctions against Russian fertilizer and agricultural exports be lifted.

However, UN Secretary-General António Guterres did not advocate for removing those sanctions.

Instead, he chose to search for ways around them, a stance Lavrov criticized.

“Given the complexity of the situation with Ukraine and the Black Sea, we want to ensure that there are no ambiguities this time,” Lavrov stated. The Russian government’s main concern was to avoid the same misunderstandings as those that plagued the last agreement.

Lavrov on NATO and Ukraine’s Membership

In another significant remark, Lavrov criticized Joe Biden’s approach toward Ukraine’s NATO membership, calling it a massive error.

He pointed out that Biden’s refusal to consider Russia’s security concerns, particularly when it came to Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, led to heightened tensions and security risks.

According to Lavrov, the decisions made during Biden’s administration created unacceptable threats to Russia’s interests.

This sentiment was echoed by Mike Waltz, a former U.S. National Security Advisor under President Donald Trump.

On March 16, Waltz noted that Ukraine’s NATO membership, or its path toward the alliance, seemed unlikely, and that other NATO members shared this perspective.

Lavrov on U.S. Influence Over Kyiv’s Attacks on Russia

Lavrov also discussed the ongoing conflict, particularly Kyiv’s attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure.

He made it clear that only Washington holds the power to compel Kyiv to stop these actions.

“The U.S. understands that only they can force Kyiv to halt these terrorist acts and attacks on civilian targets,” he remarked.

Lavrov also mentioned that Russia had sent a signal to the U.S., seeking guarantees on the matter.

Lavrov’s Background and Experience

Sergey Lavrov has served as Russia’s Foreign Minister since 2004, making him the longest-serving person in this role since Andrei Gromyko.

He has an extensive diplomatic background, including his tenure as Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations from 1994 to 2004.

Lavrov has long been known for his assertive defense of Russia’s foreign policy and has played a significant role in shaping the country’s stance on international issues.

Fluent in multiple languages, including Sinhala, Dhivehi, English, and French, Lavrov’s diplomatic career has seen him navigate some of the most complex global challenges.