In a bold move, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rejects France's proposal for secret ceasefire talks on Ukraine, emphasizing that any discussions must involve Kyiv. Lavrov stresses that without Ukraine's participation, such initiatives are not taken seriously. This aggressive stance highlights Russia's position in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, where diplomatic efforts are constantly shaped by the dynamics of international involvement. Lavrov's comments send a clear message that Russia will not engage in behind-the-scenes negotiations without the key player—Ukraine—being part of the process.