WASHINGTON – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has once again complicated the potential for a direct meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This latest development suggests that a summit to resolve the ongoing conflict is still quite distant.
In comments on Sunday, Lavrov indicated that Moscow has specific conditions in mind, asserting that there’s “no plan” for an immediate meeting. He spoke to NBC, explaining that a summit would only take place if there’s a “presidential agenda” aligning with Putin’s interests, but right now, that agenda is “not at all ready.”
Among the conditions Lavrov laid out are Ukraine’s acceptance of NATO membership, discussions regarding territorial issues, and the cancellation of regulations that restrict Russian influence in Ukraine.
The Kremlin’s statements reflect ongoing efforts to delay a meeting with Zelensky amidst a flurry of activity from Trump, who is keen on facilitating a bilateral discussion to put an end to the 30-month-long war. Trump had met with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska on August 15 for a “listening session,” and plans to host European leaders alongside Zelensky on August 17.
Last week, Trump emphasized the importance of arranging a meeting with Putin and Zelensky. Lavrov claimed that Russia had presented its agenda during the Anchorage meeting but noted that “Zelensky said no to everything.”
Ukraine has long sought NATO membership and desires security assurances under Article 5, which would protect it from potential Russian aggression. While Trump has suggested that NATO might not be an option, his peace advisor, Steve Witkoff, argued that if Russia were to strike again, adherence to Article 5 would necessitate a response involving the West.
The Kremlin reacted defensively to Witkoff’s assertions, voicing dissatisfaction with the West’s support for Ukraine. Lavrov proposed that Russia should be in a position to compel Ukraine to reject any agreement with Europe and the US regarding its security.
On the other end, Zelensky expressed a desire for a one-on-one meeting with Putin, and Trump remains cautiously optimistic. “We’ll see if Putin and Zelensky will work together,” he told reporters, adding, “It’s like oil and vinegar. They aren’t getting along for obvious reasons, but we will see what happens.”
Following Russian assaults on American factories in Ukraine, Trump reiterated the potential for increased sanctions against Russia. “We are going to make a decision about what we are going to do, and that will be a very important decision—whether it will involve massive sanctions, hefty tariffs, or both,” he stated.
