Lavrov says US refused to force Ukraine’s capitulation, prolonging war

What happened

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the state-controlled RT network on June 4 that the Russo–Ukrainian war continues because the United States refused to pressure Kyiv into accepting defeat. This claim comes directly from Lavrov and is reported by New Voice Ukraine, citing the RT interview.

The central claim remains unconfirmed in the supplied material and should be treated as hearsay until corroborated by another reliable source or a named official. Lavrov’s attribution that the US is responsible for the prolongation of hostilities is consistent with a longstanding Russian narrative blaming Western support for Ukraine. However, this assertion is not independently verified by the supplied material and should be treated as Moscow’s official position rather than established fact.

The interview did not provide new details or evidence to substantiate the claim that Washington actively declined to coerce Kyiv’s capitulation, nor did it specify any broader diplomatic consequences or shifts stemming from this stance.

Known from the source

• Sergey Lavrov gave an interview to the state-controlled RT network on June 4, 2026.
• Lavrov claimed the war continues because the United States refused to pressure Kyiv into accepting defeat.
• New Voice Ukraine reported this claim.

What remains unclear

This statement is relevant as it may indicate Russia’s framing ahead of any diplomatic engagement or military developments, reflecting how Moscow seeks to place responsibility for the ongoing conflict externally, specifically on US policy choices.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verify the exact Lavrov quotes in the RT interview. Check if any independent sources confirm or challenge Lavrov’s claim. Confirm there are no additional context or rebuttals in the full interview or related reports.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: New Voice Ukraine. Open the source.