Lavrov calls for Ukrainians from russia to participate in Ukraine's presidential election

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has demanded that Ukrainians living in russia be allowed to vote in the presidential election in Ukraine.

The russian Foreign Minister said this in an interview with russian media.

Lavrov reiterated the kremlin's allegations about the alleged termination of the powers of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in May 2024. According to him, the elections in Ukraine should be held "as provided for by law."

He also said that the Ukrainian authorities, in his opinion, should be given a mandate to conclude possible peace agreements.

"This can only be done through elections, a transparent and fair election campaign in which all interested political forces will participate. We must finally give the Ukrainian people the opportunity to find their destiny, including the huge number of their representatives who live in Russia," Lavrov said.

The Minister also added that the organization of the expression of will, according to him, "should not be used as a pretext for a temporary cessation of hostilities in order to rearm the Armed Forces of Ukraine."

As a reminder, almost two-thirds of Ukrainians are in favor of holding elections immediately if the peace talks are completed with a ceasefire and martial law is lifted.