Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy can only occur after all key issues have been thoroughly addressed, APA reports. The Russian Foreign Ministry outlined the prerequisites for this high-level encounter, emphasizing the necessity of resolving significant concerns beforehand.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Lavrov highlighted that discussions between the two leaders would only be feasible if ‘all issues that require discussion at the highest level are thoroughly worked out.’ He underscored the importance of addressing the legitimacy of the Ukrainian leadership, indicating that any potential agreements would necessitate settling the legitimacy issue concerning the signatory from Kyiv.

Lavrov also drew attention to a decree issued by Zelenskyy three years ago, which prohibits negotiations with Putin. He criticized Zelenskyy’s apparent efforts to organize a summit, suggesting that it is an attempt to appear constructive in the settlement process. Lavrov argued that Zelenskyy aims to divert from the challenging work necessary to establish a lasting resolution to the crisis, favoring instead a superficial approach reminiscent of the Club of the Cheerful and Resourceful.