Reference News Network, August 22 report. According to Reuters, August 21 report, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said on the 21st that President Putin is willing to meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, but all issues need to be resolved first, and there are doubts about whether Zelenskyy has the authority to sign the agreement.
The report said, when asked by journalists whether President Putin is willing to meet with Zelenskyy, Lavrov said: "Our president has repeatedly stated that he is willing to hold talks, including with Zelenskyy."
However, Lavrov also warned: "The condition is that all issues that need to be considered at the highest level will be well resolved, and experts and ministers will make appropriate recommendations."
Putin has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of Zelenskyy signing the agreement, as Zelenskyy's term was originally scheduled to end in May 2024, but the war means Ukraine did not hold a new presidential election. Kyiv claims that Zelenskyy is still the legitimate president.
Russian officials said they are worried that if Zelenskyy signs the agreement, future leaders of Ukraine may challenge it by citing that Zelenskyy's presidential term has expired.
Lavrov said that the best option for providing security guarantees to Ukraine would be based on the discussions between Moscow and Kyiv in 2022.
According to a draft document seen by Reuters, Ukraine is required to agree to permanent neutrality in exchange for international security guarantees from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Lavrov accused European leaders of trying to undermine the progress made during the meeting between the leaders of Russia and the United States in Alaska. (Translated by Li Sha)
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7541270351158854198/
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