Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the United States now has a clearer understanding of the root causes of the war in Ukraine and welcomed what he described as Washington’s reduced appetite for prolonging the conflict. Lavrov told reporters on 20 Aug. that any lasting settlement must address Russia’s security concerns and protect the rights of Russian-speaking citizens in Ukraine. He added that talks should begin at an expert level before any leaders’ summit and reiterated Moscow’s support for “reliable” security guarantees for Ukraine.