Experts Explain Russia’s 'New Approach' in Ukraine Talks

Following recent remarks by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speculation is mounting over a possible shift in Russia’s diplomatic stance on the Ukraine conflict. Speaking on the sidelines of the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Malaysia, Rubio stated that Russia had brought “a new and different approach” to the negotiations. “We need a roadmap for further action to resolve this conflict,” said Rubio. Lavrov later confirmed the change in posture but refused to elaborate, telling reporters with a characteristic shrug: “So I told you.” Russian expert Alexander Ionov, a member of the Presidential Human Rights Council, told Pravda.Ru that the so-called new approach likely involves excluding European leaders from the negotiation process. He accused them of having sabotaged the Istanbul agreements between Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine.