Lavrov Reveals Why Russia Spares Donbas from Total Destruction

Sergei Lavrov’s Statement on the Situation in Ukraine

According to Главком: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Moscow is deliberately avoiding damage to areas in Donetsk region where ethnic Russians reside. In an interview with Shanghai Media Group, he explained that Russia is not seizing Donbas because it wants to prevent excessive destruction in a region whose population, he claims, suffers from the actions of 'Nazis.' Lavrov also reported that Russian forces captured 80 Ukrainian settlements in 2026, with 35 of those taken during March and April alone. This admission comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of Russia’s military campaign.

Putin’s Visit to China

Lavrov made these remarks during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China. On May 20, 2026, Putin met with Xi Jinping in Beijing to discuss several topics:

• deepening bilateral partnership
• criticism of US foreign policy
• the ongoing war in Iran

Putin failed to secure an agreement with China on constructing the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline. Analyst Andriy Kovalenko commented that Beijing is in no hurry to move forward with energy projects.

According to CNN, Russia is increasingly exhausted by the war against Ukraine, and new trends on the front lines point to strategic problems for the Kremlin. Putin had hoped that 2026 would be a turning point for the Russian army.

“We are consistently carrying out the tasks of the special military operation. Putin has said many times that we are not using the means we could use, because we do not want to cause excessive damage to territories where mainly our people live, whom the Nazis are trying to suppress.”

Sergei Lavrov

Lavrov also noted that 'the process is ongoing.' His statement reflects the Kremlin’s official stance on the conflict in Ukraine, attempting to highlight humanitarian aspects of military operations. At the same time, reports of new territorial gains indicate an intensification of hostilities, which may suggest a shift in Russia’s strategic objectives. The context of Putin’s visit to China underscores the importance of international relations for Moscow, especially amid growing criticism from Western nations and dwindling resources for waging war.

As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, Trump has suggested a potential visit to Russia in 2026 that could play a pivotal role in addressing the ongoing conflict. This development may have significant implications for international relations and the future of peace efforts in the region, particularly in light of Lavrov's recent comments on the strategic approach in Donbas.