Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on May 13 that despite positive rhetoric about ties under former President Donald Trump, “nothing is happening in real life” in US-Russia relations [1, 2]. Lavrov added that cooperation on technology, energy, and other joint projects between the two countries has so far failed to produce tangible results [1].

Lavrov said the current US-Russia dialogue essentially follows the pattern set by President Joe Biden’s administration, including the continuation of sanctions against Russia. He said, “Aside from this regular dialogue - which is normal in relations between people and countries - everything else follows the pattern initiated by President Biden” [1, 2]. He also noted that while Trump initiated contact with Moscow, his administration nonetheless imposed sanctions that hurt the Russian economy [1].

On the same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of ongoing Russian drone attacks on civilian and infrastructure targets across multiple Ukrainian regions. Over 100 Russian drones were detected in Ukrainian airspace amid the strikes [2]. Zelenskyy said, “Russia continues its strikes and is doing so brazenly – deliberately targeting our railway infrastructure and civilian sites in our cities.” He added, “Unfortunately, people were wounded and killed in these strikes; my condolences to all their families and loved ones” [2].

The Bucharest Nine Summit gathered leaders from Central Eastern Europe and the Baltic states on May 13 to discuss regional security issues related to Russia, Ukraine, and the presence of US troops in Europe [2]. The summit aims to coordinate the response to ongoing tensions involving Russia and Ukraine.

Lavrov’s comments and the security concerns raised by Zelenskyy come amid growing pressure in Europe over the conflict and strained diplomatic relations with Moscow. The Bucharest Nine Summit reflects mounting efforts by regional partners to address the complex challenges posed by Russia’s military actions and its diplomatic stance.

The Bucharest Nine Summit is ongoing, with further deliberations planned through the day on security cooperation among members.