Lavrov Highlights Dual Approach to Zelensky: De-Facto President Yet No Peace Deal Signer
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made a significant statement regarding the status of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, acknowledging him only as a «de-facto» leader.
Despite this, Moscow reaffirmed its willingness to hold negotiations with Ukraine’s president, but exclusively within the framework of the Istanbul format, revealing a series of diplomatic nuances and contradictions.
Lavrov emphasized that Russia considers Zelensky as «the head of the regime» in Ukraine, and that he may meet with Putin in this capacity; however, Moscow views him as illegitimate for signing any agreements or documents.
Meanwhile, the Russian leader Vladimir Putin remains prepared for negotiations with Zelensky—provided these talks will genuinely lead to meaningful outcomes.
According to Lavrov, a peace agreement requires the signer to be legitimate under Ukrainian law, which Zelensky currently does not fulfill.
He also pointed out that the United States and European leaders are partly responsible for stalling the peace process, fearing both Ukraine’s defeat and Russia’s victory, using terms like «victory» and «defeat».
During a телефон with Trump, Putin confirmed Russia’s readiness to resume direct talks with Kyiv under the Istanbul agreements, asserting that security guarantees for Ukraine should reflect Russia’s interests to reach a consensus.
Analyst Volodymyr Kravchenko from ZN.UA noted that Moscow has never abandoned the Istanbul agreements.
However, the issue of signing a long-term neutrality treaty and security guarantees could have disastrous consequences for Ukraine if not properly addressed.