Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a Russian-Laotian talks, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia.Contributor/Getty Images
Lavrov says Zelensky ‘not legitimate’ under Ukrainian constitution
Lavrov made the statement during an interview with NBC in Moscow on August 24, 2025.
He stressed that any future agreements must be signed by a figure whose legitimacy is beyond constitutional doubt.
“When we come to a stage where you have to sign documents, we would need a very clear understanding by everybody that the person who is signing is legitimate. And according to the Ukrainian constitution, Mr. Zelensky is not, at the moment,” Lavrov said.
Putin and Trump substantive meeting in Alaska
Lavrov acknowledged president Putin’s recent meeting with the U.S. President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, as part of Russia’s diplomatic efforts.
He described the meeting as substantive, focused on national interests and security concerns.
Lavrov stated Putin “has regard for President Trump, respecting President Trump’s concentration on the interest, national interest of the United States, national interest and well-being, and historic heritage of the American people.”
Security interests cited as cause of conflict
According to Lavrov, violations of Russian security interests were among the root causes of the ongoing conflict.
He added that NATO expansion directly on Russia’s borders was a long-term concern.
Lavrov said Western actions had turned Ukraine into an instrument aimed at defeating Russia militarily.
Ukraine peace talks face stalemate
Lavrov recalled earlier talks in Istanbul where Russia suggested creating three working groups, including on political matters.
He said no response had been received from Kyiv despite more than a month having passed since the proposal.
Russia maintains President Putin remains open to meeting Zelensky, provided the meeting will produce substantive outcomes.
Washington meeting underscored differences
Lavrov described a Washington meeting where Zelensky, European leaders, and Trump discussed potential principles.
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Among the topics were NATO membership restrictions and territorial issues.
Lavrov said Zelensky rejected all proposals at that meeting.
NATO dominance rejected by Moscow
Lavrov invoked the principle of indivisible security enshrined in Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) agreements.
He referenced the Istanbul 1999 and Astana 2010 OSCE declarations, which stated that no country should strengthen its security at the expense of others (OSCE Istanbul Summit 1999).
Lavrov argued NATO had violated these commitments by expanding eastward.
He further alleged Western states were preparing to send intervention forces to Ukraine, describing such plans as unacceptable (NATO official texts).
Russia outlines its stated goals
Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s declared goals as removing security threats from Ukrainian territory and protecting ethnic Russians and Russian-speaking populations.
He said Russia is not seeking territorial expansion, emphasizing the country already holds the largest landmass globally.
“We don’t have any interest in territories. We have the biggest territory on Earth. What we are concerned about, unlike those who raise the issue of invasion, taking more and more land, we are concerned about the people who live on those lands,” he said.
Military targeting claims addressed
Lavrov denied Russia had deliberately targeted civilian sites unrelated to Ukraine’s military infrastructure.
He said Russian operations focused on facilities contributing to the Ukrainian war effort.
He accused Kyiv of acting under the influence of the Biden administration and European governments.
Indivisible security principle restated
Lavrov repeated that security guarantees must be based on consensus rather than unilateral action.
He emphasized Russia’s position that NATO actions had violated agreed security frameworks.
“No organization in the European space can pretend to dominate in military and political matters. And NATO has been doing exactly the opposite,” he said.
