Speaking at the 13th Meeting of High Security Officials in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that a new round of direct negotiations with Ukraine will be announced shortly. He recalled that Istanbul hosted the first round on May 16 and said Russia will continue to demand the repeal of laws in Ukraine that restrict the Russian language, culture, and the Russian-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Lavrov reiterated that Ukraine’s neutral status remains a key demand in peace efforts.