Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sparked a new round of confrontation between Moscow – Kiev, stating that the Ukrainian president is no longer a legal representative of his country. This statement was based on the fact that the presidential election in the post was postponed last year due to the imposition of military law.
“When the time comes to sign documents, everyone will need to have a clear understanding that the person signing is a legal representative,” Lavrov said, adding that “according to the Ukrainian Constitution, Zelenski is not legal at this time.”
The answer from the Ukrainian side did not take long to come. Undersecretary of State Antriy Sibiha rejected the Russian official’s statements, describing them as irrational: “Nothing is more absurd than giving a lecture on the legality of someone sitting in the same chair for 21 years, serving a man who has ruled for more than 25 years.”
Continuing his criticism, Sibicha noted: “He is not entitled to speak of legitimacy.” He pointed out that “such delusional statements clearly show that Russia rejects any peace effort”.
