Lavrov on the meeting between Putin and Zelensky: key conditions named

The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to meet with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and has also provided security guarantees for this meeting. This information was reported by Russian media from the Minister.

Lavrov noted that before the meeting, it is necessary to carefully discuss all issues that require attention at the highest level. He also commented on Zelensky's desire to meet with Putin as soon as possible, calling it 'effects in the style of KVN'. Lavrov emphasized that the decision about the meeting itself must be made at a high level and supported by the appropriate recommendations of experts.

“Our president has repeatedly stated that he is ready to meet, including with Mr. Zelensky, on the condition that the areas requiring consideration at the highest level will be well prepared. And experts, ministers will prepare the appropriate recommendations and, of course, on the condition that when and if it comes to signing future agreements, the question of the legitimacy of the person who will sign these agreements on the Ukrainian side will be resolved.”

Lavrov also stated that Russia supports the principles of security guarantees agreed in Istanbul in 2022. He warned that any unilateral actions on this issue are unexpected, especially regarding the deployment of foreign troops on the territory of Ukraine to ensure security guarantees.

“The security guarantees that were agreed upon, I emphasize, at the initiative of the Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul in April 2022, are supported by us [...] Everything else, everything else unilateral — is, of course, absolutely futile endeavors.”

Sergey Lavrov responded to questions about a possible meeting between Putin and Zelensky, providing security guarantees and emphasizing the importance of preliminary preparation and discussion of all necessary issues during negotiations.