Lavrov: Russia is ready to meet with Zelensky as the de facto leader

Russia is ready to meet with the 'de facto leader of the regime' of Ukraine

According to glavcom.ua: The Russian side does not recognize the president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky as legitimate, but considers him the 'de facto leader of the regime' and is ready to meet with him. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in an interview with NBC News.

Lavrov emphasized that for signing any documents, Russia needs to have a clear understanding that the person signing is legitimate.

The head of the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that Vladimir Putin did not discuss bilateral negotiations with President Donald Trump in Alaska regarding the president of Ukraine.

An idea arose among Trump, Zelensky, and European leaders to hold a meeting in Washington.

Lavrov also accused the president of Ukraine of wanting to meet with Putin only to 'get one more opportunity to be on stage.'

The representative of Russia expressed readiness to meet with the 'de facto leader of the regime' of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, but does not recognize him as the legitimate president. The Russian side emphasizes the importance of legitimacy for signing any agreements and documents.