Hey fam, big news on the peace front! Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov just spilled the tea 🍵: President Vladimir Putin is down to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy… but there’s a catch. All the details of a peace deal need to be ironed out first, and Russia has questions about whether Zelenskyy can even sign anything. 🤔
Lavrov said that discussions at the highest level and expert recommendations have to be locked in before any handshake. He also raised eyebrows by questioning Zelenskyy’s legitimacy to seal the deal, since Ukraine’s elections have been delayed by the war. Meanwhile, Kyiv insists Zelenskyy is still the real deal. 💪
Zelenskyy is watching this saga unfold and told reporters he’s ready to talk—no excuses. When asked if Putin’s up for a one-on-one, he said yes… but wanted a strong reaction from Washington if Russia bails. 'We’re raring to go,' he said. 'Now let’s see what Russia’s game is.' 🇺🇸➡️🇷🇺🇺🇦
There’s even buzz about Hungary’s Budapest stepping up to host the big meet, but Zelenskyy called that a 'tough call.' With Russia’s closest EU ally offering a venue, the stage is set but the script is still being written. 🎬
Across Europe, leaders are skeptical about Russia’s peace bona fides. Some EU officials think Putin’s hunger for conquest might be lurking behind the olive branch. But Lavrov fired back, accusing the 'coalition of the willing' of ghosting real talks to keep Russia in check. Will we see a sequel to the 2022 Istanbul chat? Stay tuned! 📺
Reference(s):
Putin prepared to meet Zelenskyy but legitimacy an issue, Lavrov says
cgtn.com
