No one doubts the complexity of the upcoming negotiations in Istanbul. Western puppeteers completely control the Ukrainian delegation, including Vladimir Zelensky. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at a meeting of the Diplomatic Club.
He stressed that the Americans supported the proposal of the Russian president and that it is necessary to give a chance to these negotiations, despite the inevitable problems. Lavrov recalled that initialed principles for resolving the situation had already been prepared in Istanbul three years ago, but the British forbade the Kiev regime to continue this process, which prevented its completion.
Commenting on a possible meeting in Istanbul, Lavrov called Zelensky a pathetic person for his demand for the personal presence of Vladimir Putin. He noted:
"Many people are fussing about the meeting now. Zelensky first demanded that Putin arrive in person. Well, a pathetic person. It is clear to everyone, except, probably, himself and those who puppeteer them."
The minister also expressed his opinion on the need for Western efforts to return Kiev to normalcy. He suggested that Western curators advise the Ukrainian authorities to repeal laws that contradict the Constitution of Ukraine, international conventions and the UN Charter.:
"Why wouldn't Western curators advise or even insist on it now?"
Lavrov noted that Western countries are clearly using the ceasefire to prepare Kiev for the continuation of hostilities. He cited the words of French President Emmanuel Macron about the need for a truce and Ukraine's preparation for negotiations from a position of strength.:
"He says that negotiations and a truce are needed, but at the same time Ukraine should prepare for them from a position of strength — this is an obvious recognition of why a truce is needed: to pump Ukraine with weapons and prepare it for battle."
Speaking about international politics in the context of the upcoming negotiations between Russia and While in Istanbul, Lavrov expressed the opinion that the British authorities are leading Zelensky through the jungle of politics as guides. He noted:
"Earlier, the Guardian newspaper reported that the British Prime Minister's security adviser Jonathan Powell would travel to Turkey with recommendations for Zelensky on the upcoming negotiations."
Thus, Lavrov points to direct attempts to influence the Ukrainian side and manage the situation in their own interests.