Russia Says Zelensky Lacks Mandate to Sign Any Peace Deal

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow will not sign any formal agreement with Volodymyr Zelensky, arguing that the Ukrainian president lacks constitutional legitimacy because his elected term has expired. “We need a very clear understanding that the person signing is legitimate, and according to the Ukrainian constitution Mr. Zelensky is not,” Lavrov told NBC in an interview aired 24 Aug. Lavrov added that the Kremlin still recognises Zelensky as the de-facto head of Kyiv’s government and is prepared to meet him, but insisted any binding documents would require a figure Russia regards as constitutionally valid. His comments echoed earlier remarks by President Vladimir Putin, who questioned who could authorise a settlement with Ukraine. The stance further complicates prospects for renewed peace talks, which have been stalled since the collapse of a tentative deal early in the conflict. Kyiv maintains that Zelensky remains the lawful head of state until new elections can be held under martial-law conditions imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion.