Russian Foreign Minister Accuses Ukraine and European Leaders of Obstructing Peace Efforts
In a fiery exchange, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov lashed out at Ukraine and European leaders on Sunday, accusing them of hindering peace efforts and throwing a wrench into U.S. President Donald Trump’s plans to end the war in Ukraine.
No Meeting Planned Between Putin and Zelenskyy
Lavrov revealed in an interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press that there are no plans for a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He cited unresolved disputes over territory and security guarantees as the main roadblocks.
“Putin is ready to meet with President Zelenskyy, provided this meeting is really going to decide something,” Lavrov emphasized. “To meet, for Zelenskyy to have another opportunity to be onstage, is not what we believe is useful.”
Accusations of Blocking Progress
Lavrov didn’t hold back in his accusations, claiming that Kyiv and European leaders were actively blocking progress and showing a lack of desire for peace. He criticized their framing of the conflict as a “win and defeat” scenario and questioned Zelenskyy’s legitimacy following elections postponed under martial law.
Intensified Strikes and Uncertainty
Despite recent talks between Trump, Putin, Zelenskyy, and European leaders, Russia has ramped up its strikes on Ukraine. This includes an attack on a U.S.-owned factory in western Ukraine last week that left at least 15 workers injured.
Trump himself acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation, stating to reporters on Friday, “We’ll see what happens. I think over the next two weeks, we’re going to find out which way it’s going to go.” — Agencies
