Lavrov Says Zelensky’s Diesel Stance Is a Direct Challenge to Trump
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s position on a deal to temporarily lift sanctions on diesel exports from Moscow as a direct challenge to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Lavrov claimed that such an approach by Zelensky has become routine and shows that the Ukrainian president is not prepared for constructive engagement.
The Russian foreign minister added that leaked information to the media about Ukraine’s peace proposal does not offer a solution for achieving lasting and long-term peace. He said Moscow has so far received no formal proposal for a peace agreement on Ukraine.
According to Lavrov, Russia is ready to begin serious, reasonable and fair negotiations on Ukraine and has never refused talks on the issue.
He also said Zelensky has already set conditions in advance for any possible election, which Moscow considers unacceptable.
