Key Facts
• August 21: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with India’s Foreign Minister.
• Lavrov stated all issues must be thoroughly reviewed before a summit with Ukraine.
• He emphasized the need for experts and ministers to prepare recommendations.
• Lavrov questioned the legitimacy of Ukraine’s representatives signing agreements.
• Russia considers Ukrainian President Zelensky an “illegitimate president” due to expired term.
• Lavrov opposed foreign military presence in Ukraine, calling it “unacceptable.”
• August 20: Lavrov referenced a 2022 security guarantee proposal supported by Russia.
• Proposal involved UN Security Council permanent members participating on equal terms.
• Russia may envision a veto-based framework similar to the UN Security Council.
Summary
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed skepticism about the feasibility of an early summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Speaking on August 21 after meeting with India’s foreign minister, Lavrov stressed that all issues must be thoroughly examined and recommendations prepared by experts and ministers before any talks. He also highlighted concerns over the legitimacy of Ukraine’s representatives in signing agreements, reiterating Russia’s stance that Zelensky is an “illegitimate president.” Lavrov criticized Western discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine, rejecting the idea of foreign military presence in the country. He referred to a 2022 proposal involving UN Security Council permanent members, which Russia supported, potentially envisioning a veto-based framework. These statements underline significant obstacles to any near-term resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
