Russia has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of engaging in a “game” by requesting a meeting with President Vladimir Putin while questioning his legitimacy. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov asserted that European backers of Ukraine aim to prolong the conflict, contrasting this with U.S. President Donald Trump’s preference for a diplomatic resolution.
Lavrov emphasized that Russia does not seek to seize Ukrainian land but aims to protect ethnic Russians and Russian-speaking individuals from persecution by the Ukrainian government. He stated that discussions with Zelensky are possible, as he is considered the “de facto head of the regime” in Kyiv; however, any agreements must be signed by a legitimate Ukrainian representative. Lavrov did not dismiss the possibility of direct talks between Putin and Zelensky, provided that such discussions are meaningful, but he noted that the necessary groundwork is currently lacking.
Acknowledging Zelensky’s position, Lavrov remarked, “the issue of who is going to sign the deal on the Ukrainian side is very serious.” He stressed the need for clarity regarding the legitimacy of any representative signing an agreement. Zelensky’s presidential term ended over a year ago, and he has not held new elections, citing martial law. Lavrov described Zelensky’s calls for a meeting with Putin as merely a tactic to bolster his uncertain legitimacy.
He criticized Zelensky, stating, “A game he is very good at… He does not care about substance.” Lavrov voiced skepticism concerning the effectiveness of any talks, pointing out past instances in which Zelensky resisted Trump’s suggestions. Additionally, he accused Ukraine’s European allies of favoring the continuation of the conflict, unlike President Trump, who seems to advocate for diplomatic engagement.
Lavrov remarked on how European leaders reacted to the historic summit between Putin and Trump in Alaska, suggesting that this response illustrates their refusal to seek peace. He noted, “They say we cannot allow the defeat of Ukraine. We cannot allow Russia to win.” He compared this with Trump’s approach, which he claims earned Russia’s respect as it defended “American national interests.”
Lavrov recalled how Russia and Ukraine nearly reached a peace agreement during earlier talks in Istanbul but alleged that the then UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, along with officials from the Biden administration and European leaders, undermined that potential resolution. When asked whether ceasing Moscow’s military offensive was the only concession it was willing to make, Lavrov responded, “We don’t have any interest in territories.”
His concern lies primarily with the welfare of people residing in the contested territories. Lavrov asserted that Moscow aims to eliminate any security threats to Russia emanating from Ukraine and to safeguard the rights of ethnic Russian and Russian-speaking individuals who identify with Russian culture.
On a recent occasion, Zelensky dismissed U.S. calls for Ukraine to relinquish its claim to Crimea or make territorial concessions to Russia. During a speech commemorating Ukraine’s Independence Day, he committed to reclaiming the peninsula, as well as the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, regions annexed by Russia in 2022. Zelensky declared that all of these areas are inherently Ukrainian, asserting, “no temporary occupation can change that.”
While discussing peace initiatives between Moscow and Kyiv, Trump suggested the possibility of “land swaps,” but firmly stated that Crimea’s return to Ukraine was impossible. Territory discussions reportedly occurred during talks among Trump, Zelensky, and select EU leaders last week, yet Zelensky allegedly rejected proposals to cede any land. He insisted, “Ukraine will never again in history be forced to bear the shame that the Russians call ‘a compromise.’”
Original Source: https://www.india.com/news/zelensky-playing-a-game-over-call-to-meet-putin-russian-foreign-minister-alleges-eu-prolonging-conflict-8031942/
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Publish Date: 2025-08-24 22:38:00
