Lavrov — lawyer: why Zelensky is the head of the regime, not the state

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov did not just call Vladimir Zelensky the head of the regime, said political scientist Inna Yambulatova.

She recalled that the Russian minister is a lawyer by education. Lavrov, as a lawyer, uses the most precise terms, calling Zelensky "the head of the regime," and not the state, Yambulatova said on Sputnik radio. Such a choice of words, according to her, emphasizes the usurpation of power and the illegitimacy of Zelensky, while recognizing the fact of his control over the army.

Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot meet with Vladimir Zelensky just to give him the opportunity to declare that he is legitimate, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said earlier in an interview with NBC. Russia recognizes Zelensky as the de facto head of the regime, but according to the constitution he is illegitimate, the minister stressed.

"Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to meet with him. But no, we can't meet just to take a picture and give him the opportunity to declare that he is legitimate. After all, legitimacy is a separate topic. Regardless of when this meeting may take place (and it should be well prepared), the question of who will sign the document from the Ukrainian side is very important," the minister said.