2025-08-21 17:15
publication
2025-08-21 17:15
The Russian leader of Vladimir Putin and the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelanski may occur, only if the disputed issues are first resolved – said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergei Lavrov on Thursday. He also questioned Zelanski's mandate to conclude peace.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday after talks with the Ukrainian leader and several European leaders in the White House that he began arranging the Putin-Zełenski meeting, after which trial-sided talks would occur with his participation. The White House said that Moscow agreed to such a solution.
In Thursday's speech for journalists, Lavrov's journalists repeated Putin's readiness to meet Zelanski, but stipulating that “all issues that require reflection” are to be resolved earlier. He added that further steps should be determined at the level of experts and ministers.
– And of course, the signing of future contracts will take place when the issue of the mandate of a person who will sign these agreements on the Ukrainian side – said Ławrow.
Moscow has repeatedly undermined the legality of Zelanski's power, because – according to the Ukrainian election calendar – his term was to expire in May 2024.
However, Ukrainian regulations prohibit the organization of elections during martial law and on their basis Zelanski remains a legitimate president.
This week, Zełenski said that Kiev expects Washington's “decisive reaction” if Putin disagrees with him. (PAP)
MWS/ MAL/
