Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of playing a “game” over calls to meet President Vladimir Putin while questioning his legitimacy and criticizing European allies for prolonging the conflict.

Speaking to NBC, Lavrov said Moscow is open to talks if agreements are signed by a legitimate Ukrainian representative. He argued that Zelensky’s expired presidential term and refusal to hold elections under martial law undermine his authority.

Lavrov added that Zelensky’s public calls for negotiations are “theatrics” with no substance, claiming the Ukrainian leader rejects meaningful compromises, including discussions on NATO or territorial concessions.

He also accused European leaders of fueling the war, contrasting them with U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he praised for pursuing diplomacy and protecting American interests. Lavrov recalled near-peace talks in Istanbul early in the war, alleging they were derailed by Western leaders, including former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Russia, he insisted, does not seek Ukrainian territory but wants to protect ethnic Russians and Russian speakers while preventing security threats from Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Zelensky, in his Independence Day speech, rejected U.S. proposals for territorial concessions, vowing to reclaim Crimea, Donetsk, and Lugansk. He declared, “All of this is Ukraine… and one day we will be together again as one country.”

Lavrov said peace is possible but warned that European powers remain committed to a military solution, unlike Trump, who has advanced proposals such as “land swaps.” However, Zelensky has firmly rejected any such compromise.