Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 04:02am on 25 Aug 2025,Monday International
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that President Vladimir Putin is open to meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but questioned Zelenskyy’s legitimacy. Lavrov told Russian state media that any future negotiations would require clarity on the authority of the person signing agreements, claiming Zelenskyy’s term ended in May per Ukraine’s constitution. Kyiv maintains Zelenskyy remains the legitimate leader under martial law provisions enacted during wartime. Moscow has repeatedly challenged his status. Lavrov’s remarks highlight ongoing diplomatic tensions and the complexities of initiating peace talks amid contested leadership. The statement adds another layer to the geopolitical standoff between Russia and Ukraine, with legitimacy now a central issue. (PC: France 24 & Reuters)
