Fiery statements from Lavrov: Sharp criticism of Zelensky and a recalling of the behind-the-scenes events of the 2019 Putin meeting.

Moscow, Russia – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sparked widespread controversy with his recent remarks criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s performance during his 2019 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Lavrov stated that Zelensky “acted like a clown,” referring to his handling of the talks at the time.

In a media interview, Lavrov added that the Ukrainian leadership did not take the opportunities for de-escalation seriously enough. He considered the meeting between Putin and Zelensky a significant opportunity to reduce tensions, but one that was not capitalized on effectively.

The Russian minister indicated that Moscow had expected a more realistic and pragmatic approach from the Ukrainian side. He explained that subsequent events led to an escalation of political and security disputes between the two countries, culminating in the current crisis.

Conversely, observers believe that Lavrov’s statements are part of the ongoing media war between Moscow and Kyiv, where sharp rhetoric intensifies alongside continued military confrontations and political tensions between the two sides. According to analysts, these statements reflect the continued deep division in political narratives about the course of Russian-Ukrainian relations since 2019. This is particularly evident in light of the stalled political settlement efforts and increasing international pressure.