Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced Thursday that President Vladimir Putin is open to meeting Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy—but with a catch. 🌍 The Kremlin insists all details must be ironed out before any talks, and questions linger about Zelenskyy’s authority to sign binding agreements due to his expired presidential term. ⚖️
The Legitimacy Question
Putin has repeatedly cast doubt on Zelenskyy’s status, arguing Ukraine’s wartime election freeze leaves his mandate in limbo. Russia fears future leaders might reject deals signed under these conditions. Kyiv, however, maintains Zelenskyy remains Ukraine’s legitimate head of state.
Ukraine Seeks U.S. Backing
Zelenskyy urged Washington to deliver a "strong reaction" if Russia stalls bilateral talks. 🔥 His comments followed a flurry of diplomacy, including a rare U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska where President Donald Trump claimed he’d kickstart negotiations. But Lavrov accused European leaders of undermining progress, alleging they prioritize "strategic defeat" of Russia over peace.
Peace or Prolonged War?
While Hungary offered to host new talks, Zelenskyy called Budapest a "challenging" venue due to its close ties with Moscow. 🕊️ Meanwhile, Lavrov pushed for reviving 2022 Istanbul draft agreements—rejected earlier by Kyiv over Russia’s proposed veto power on security measures. With trust in short supply, the path to ending Europe’s deadliest conflict remains uncertain.
