Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov opens the door to talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. At the same time, he states that any peace agreements require a legally legitimate signatory – something Zelensky is not since his presidential mandate has formally expired.
In the interview, which was broadcast on NBC on Sunday, Lavrov leaves the door open for direct negotiations between President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky – “provided this meeting is really going to decide something”. At the same time, he points out that the necessary groundwork for such a summit is still lacking.
The Russian foreign minister argues that Zelensky functions as Ukraine’s “de facto leader of the regime,” but simultaneously highlights what Moscow sees as a decisive problem.
— The issue of who is going to sign the deal on the Ukrainian side is a very serious.
— We would need a very clear understanding by everybody that the person who is signing is legitimate, Lavrov explains further.
NEW – Russia’s Lavrov says no deal can be signed by Zelensky since he’s illegitimate: “We would need a very clear understanding by everybody that the person who is signing is legitimate. And according to the Ukrainian constitution, Mr. Zelensky is not, at the moment.” pic.twitter.com/tem76Am72Q
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No new elections during war
The core of Moscow’s criticism lies in the fact that Zelensky’s presidential mandate formally expired over a year ago. The Ukrainian president has not called new elections, citing the current state of emergency due to the war. This has led Moscow to officially declare him “illegitimate”.
Lavrov goes so far as to dismiss Zelensky’s recurring requests for a meeting with Putin as “basically a game” – and an attempt to strengthen his own questioned position.
— A game he is very good at playing because he wants theatrics in everything he is doing. He does not care about substance, says the Russian foreign minister.
“Zelensky said no to everything”
Regarding prospects for meaningful negotiations, Lavrov points to what he describes as Kiev’s unwillingness to compromise. As an example, he mentions how Zelensky previously allegedly defied then-US President Donald Trump.
— Zelensky said no to everything… He clearly stated that nobody can prohibit him from joining NATO… he publicly stated that he is not going to discuss any territories.
Russian demands for a peace solution stand in sharp contrast to Ukraine’s position. Moscow insists that Ukraine must remain neutral, undergo demilitarization and “denazification”, as well as “recognize the current territorial realities on the ground” – meaning giving up claims to areas now under Russian control.
From the Ukrainian side, there have been signals that Zelensky is indeed prepared to discuss the country’s territorial disputes with Russia – but without any intention of formally recognizing any territorial losses.
