Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced Thursday that President Vladimir Putin is prepared to meet Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but emphasized unresolved questions about Zelenskyy's authority to finalize agreements. The statement follows Friday's high-stakes Alaska summit between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump—their first bilateral meeting in four years.
Conditions for Dialogue
Lavrov stressed that any potential meeting would require thorough preparation: "All issues requiring consideration at the highest level must be well worked out by experts and ministers." He further raised concerns about Zelenskyy's legitimacy, given Ukraine's inability to hold elections under wartime conditions. Russian officials fear future Ukrainian leaders might reject deals signed after Zelenskyy's original May 2024 term expiration.
Kyiv Seeks U.S. Backing
Zelenskyy responded by urging Washington to demonstrate strong support if Russia hesitates: "We would like to see a strong reaction from the United States." The Ukrainian leader expressed frustration over Moscow's ambiguity, stating, "To discuss what Ukraine is willing to do, let's first hear what Russia is willing to do."
European Skepticism
While Hungary offered to host renewed peace talks, European leaders remain doubtful of Moscow's intentions. Lavrov accused Kyiv and its allies of pursuing Russia's "strategic defeat" rather than sustainable peace, referencing failed 2022 negotiations in Istanbul where Ukraine rejected proposed security frameworks.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, the path forward remains clouded by competing visions for Ukraine's security guarantees and enduring questions about political timelines in wartime.
