Russia’s top diplomat says Zelensky can’t sign Ukraine war peace deal because he’s ‘illegitimate’

New York Post ^ | Aug 24, 2025 | Diana Nerozzi

[tlozo]

Russian leader Vladimir Putin cannot not sign a peace deal with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky because Moscow views him as “illegitimate,” Moscow’s top diplomat said Sunday.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the declaration in an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” suggesting that Putin will not be able to make an agreement with him.

Lavrov also threw up yet another roadblock to direct talks between Putin and Zelensky, saying that Russia has an “agenda” in mind that must to be agreed before the two sides can sit down together.

“There is no meeting planned,” Lavrov told NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

The summit to end the war will only happen if it has a “presidential agenda” that pleases Putin, he said — but that agenda is “not ready at all.”

The list of preconditions, Lavrov added, includes Ukraine agreeing to no NATO membership, “the discussion of territorial issues,” and Zelensky “cancelling legislation prohibiting the Russian language.”

The Kremlin remarks are the latest attempts from Moscow to stall a meeting with Zelensky amid President Trump’s fast-paced efforts to get a bilateral meeting together for the first time in 30 months of war.

Lavrov also suggested that Russia does not recognize Zelensky as the head of state of Ukraine.

“Irrespective of when this meeting might take place, and that must be very well prepared, the issue of who is going to sign the deal on Ukrainian side is a very serious issue,” Lavrov claimed.

“We recognize him as the de-facto head of the regime, and in this capacity we are ready to meet with him. But when it comes to signing legal documents… we would need very clear understanding by everybody that the person who is signing is legitimate.”

[tlozo]

The Kremlin remarks are the latest attempts from Moscow to stall a meeting with Zelensky amid President Trump’s fast-paced efforts to get a bilateral meeting together for the first time in 30 months of war.

[tlozo]

Russia's demands on Ukraine include international recognition of its annexation of Ukrainian territories, Ukraine's permanent neutral status, banning "neo-Nazism," disarmament, and recognizing Russian as an official language. Russia also wants to participate in guaranteeing Ukraine's post-war security and insists on a role in any future security arrangements. Ukraine and its Western allies consider these demands to be maximalist, unacceptable, and a means for Russia to achieve its war aims through territorial expansion and the subjugation of Ukraine, not a path to genuine peace

[House Atreides]

Well, then…. perhaps you or Marcusmaximus can sign for Ukraine.

[billakay]

Your quoted statement is presented by the author as a fact, but it is indeed purely her opinion—sloppy journalism.

[bgill]

Putin is being a jerk. But, ok, how about Russia stop the war themselves and if Z-boy fires one shot, Russia can go crying to NATO to make him stop.

[DIRTYSECRET]

Sounds like those secondary tariffs are in order. It’s only a signature. The rest is up to Europe.

[mass55th]

Zelensky, the only European President in history who’s remained in office because he signs a new martial law order every 90 days. Take his pen away, and he’s gone.

[Mariner]

What peace deal?

There’s not going to be a peace deal.

[mass55th]

"Russia can go crying to NATO to make him stop."

He might as well go to the UN. NATO European members are fueling the war fire.

[mass55th]

"The rest is up to Europe."

Yeah, like they saved themselves in two world wars right?

[Lockbox]

Way to go Samantha Power, your illegal use of Colour revolutions comes back to bite the World in the Arse….

[SaxxonWoods]

Russia took that position when the Ukraine election was canceled. Maybe Ukraine should have an election. I don’t think they will because it seems they want to continue the war.

[unread]

Zelensky can’t sign Ukraine war peace deal because he’s ‘illegitimate’

Yeah well.....he plays a mean piano!

[mac_truck]

The sooner that corrupt regime in Kiev collapses, the better.

[tlozo]

how about Russia stop the war themselves

Z agreed, while Putin rejected the Trump plan of a 30 day total ceasefire.

[tlozo]

The sooner that corrupt regime in Kiev collapses, the better.

So the more corrupt Kremlin can set up a puppet like Lukashenko in Belarus?

[kiryandil]

I wonder if they can donate for Ukraine?

[tlozo]

I don’t think they will because it seems they want to continue the war.

Yup, Russia keeps coming up with excuses to turn down any Putin meeting with Z, but its Ukraine that is at fault. Okay

[SaxxonWoods]

They both want to continue the war.

[ANKE69]

>> "Well, then…. perhaps you or Marcusmaximus can sign for Ukraine." <<

😂🤣😅😂 👍