As diplomatic tensions with the Ukrainian president increased and US mediation efforts seemed to stagnate, Russia on Friday ruled out an urgent meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky. During NATO chief Mark Rutte’s visit to Kyiv, primarily to negotiate security assurances for Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that “no meeting” between Zelensky and Vladimir Putin was scheduled.
Though he compared the two men to “oil and vinegar” on Friday, US President Donald Trump had earlier in the week stated that the Russian and Ukrainian leaders had agreed to meet, raising hopes for a quick summit.
By casting doubt on the legitimacy of the Ukrainian president and restating the maximalist assertions of the Kremlin, Lavrov also dashed hopes for direct negotiations between Putin and Zelensky to end the conflict, which is currently in its fourth year.
Lavrov stated in an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker” that no meeting was scheduled. Putin was “ready to meet Zelensky” as soon as an agenda was set, Lavrov said the US station, but the plan was “not ready at all.”
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