Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has refuted any plans for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, despite recent statements by the White House indicating potential diplomatic discussions might be on the horizon. The comment was made during Lavrov’s interview with NBC News’ ‘Meet the Press’ program on Friday, where he addressed various international issues and Russia’s stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Lavrov’s denial comes as the White House has previously suggested that further talks between the two leaders might be considered if conditions are met. However, the Russian foreign minister emphasized that any such meetings would require a complete resolution of the conflict and the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Russian territory. This statement aligns with Moscow’s broader narrative that the conflict is a matter of internal Ukrainian politics rather than a direct military confrontation.
Analysts suggest that Lavrov’s remarks are intended to signal Russia’s continued position that peace talks are not a priority unless certain conditions are met. The White House’s comments, on the other hand, reflect ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and explore diplomatic avenues. As the situation in Ukraine remains volatile, the absence of a planned meeting could have implications for the pace and direction of the conflict.