Russia recognizes Zelenskyy as head of Ukraine, but he does not have legitimacy to sign documents with russia

The aggressor country russia recognizes Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the de facto head of Ukraine, but sets a condition regarding his legitimacy in case of signing documents.

The russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has stated this in an interview with NBC News.

"No, we recognize him as the de facto head of the regime. In this capacity, we are ready to meet with him," Lavrov said.

At the same time, he stressed that moscow does not consider Zelenskyy to be the legitimate president under the Constitution of Ukraine, and therefore is not ready to sign legal documents with him. "When it comes to signing legal documents, everyone should have a clear understanding that the person signing is legitimate. According to the Constitution of Ukraine, Zelenskyy is not currently one," the russian foreign minister said.

According to him, russian president vladimir putin is ready to meet with Zelenskyy, but not for the sake of a political gesture: "putin is ready to meet with him. But no, we cannot meet just to take pictures and give him the opportunity to declare that he is legitimate."

In addition, Lavrov added that moscow wants to raise the level of delegations to discuss humanitarian, military and political issues, which, in his opinion, need to be brought to the attention of both leaders.

Recall, Zelenskyy signed documents on new sanctions - putin's relatives and companies fell under the restrictions.