Lavrov Hardens Stance: Don’t Trust Ukrainian Officials
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov urged skepticism toward statements made by Ukrainian officials. The remarks came after a Western journalist cited Ukrainian sources regarding the possibility of a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Lavrov made the statement during a press conference following the conclusion of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting on October 30.
During the briefing, the journalist noted that Ukrainian officials appeared to be advocating for a face-to-face meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, while Moscow reportedly favored a telephone conversation. In response, Lavrov questioned the origin of the information.
After the journalist again referenced statements from Ukrainian officials, Lavrov stated plainly: “Do not believe them.”
Lavrov added that Putin has repeatedly expressed willingness to meet Zelenskyy. According to him, Russian leadership had previously proposed hosting such a meeting in Moscow, with guarantees provided for Ukraine’s security.
On October 30, Lavrov emphasized that if Zelenskyy genuinely seeks a meeting with Putin, he should travel to Moscow. The Russian foreign minister argued that this approach aligns with established diplomatic norms and basic principles of interpersonal conduct. He explained that when genuine intent to meet exists, it is typically the party seeking the encounter who proposes logistical arrangements.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880543691299851/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.