Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answers to questions from Rossiya 1 television channel, Riyadh, February 18, 2025

Question: Has a substantive agreement been reached with the American side regarding any outcomes? There are conflicting reports emerging from their side.

Sergey Lavrov: I will elucidate everything now; let us proceed.

Question: When will President of Russia Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump meet?

Sergey Lavrov: When the presidents come to an agreement.

Question: Has a dedicated negotiation team been established?

Sergey Lavrov: It was agreed that teams from both sides would be formed following reports to our respective heads of state.

Question: Do you consider today’s negotiations successful?

Sergey Lavrov: I would characterise them as positive.

Question: Were you acquainted with Mr Marco Rubio prior to this meeting, or was this your first interaction?

Sergey Lavrov: This was our first meeting.

Question: What impression did the other negotiators leave?

Sergey Lavrov: We engaged in good, positive negotiations. The atmosphere was exceedingly positive. A positive atmosphere is cultivated by positive individuals.

Question: Reports suggest you employed humour extensively during the talks.

Sergey Lavrov: Those are intimate details. Who precisely alleges this?

Question: American representatives claim you made jokes during negotiations.

Sergey Lavrov: I am gratified that they enjoyed it, given their comments.