Lavrov Says Zelensky Is Playing Games

(MENAFN) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has dismissed Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s repeated calls for a direct meeting with President Vladimir Putin, describing them as mere performance rather than meaningful diplomacy.

In an interview with a news agency, Lavrov stated that Putin is prepared to sit down with Zelensky, but only “provided this meeting is really going to decide something.”

However, he emphasized that the essential groundwork for such a dialogue has not yet been laid.

Lavrov criticized Zelensky’s approach, suggesting that the Ukrainian leader is prioritizing spectacle over substance.

“When Mr. Zelensky says the immediate priority is a meeting with Putin, well, it's basically a game. A game he is very good [at playing] because he wants theatrics in everything he is doing. He does not care about substance,” Lavrov remarked.

The Russian diplomat argued that without a clear and productive agenda, any high-level talks would be futile.

According to Lavrov, Moscow sees little reason to engage in negotiations that are unlikely to yield progress due to Kiev’s current stance.

He cited examples where Zelensky has openly opposed initiatives by US President Donald Trump.

Lavrov noted that “Zelensky said no to everything… He clearly stated that nobody can prohibit him from joining NATO… he publicly stated that he is not going to discuss any territories.”

Lavrov also suggested that Zelensky is pursuing a meeting with Putin in an effort to reinforce his waning political legitimacy.

He pointed out that Zelensky's official term in office ended more than a year ago, yet he has postponed elections under the pretext of martial law. As a result, Russia now considers him “illegitimate.”

MENAFN24082025000045017167ID1109968277