The foreign minister pointed out that Russian speakers in Ukraine must be protected

Leaving millions in Ukraine under the rule of a "junta" which has banned their native language would be "a major crime," according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Speaking at a conference in Moscow on Friday, the minister pointed out that Kiev's authorities have effectively banned the use of the Russian language despite it being the native tongue of a large proportion of the population. 

"We cannot leave people under the rule of the regime that is currently there," Lavrov emphasized. If Vladimir Zelensky's "junta" expects that "somehow an agreement will be reached to end the hostilities, and what remains of Ukraine will live according to the laws that they adopted, this is an illusion" the minister said. "This cannot be allowed under any circumstances," he stressed. 

The minister also reiterated that while Russia is prepared to negotiate with Zelensky and his administration about the principles of resolving the Ukraine conflict, the issue of his legitimacy will be crucial when it comes to actually signing settlement documents.

Zelensky's official presidential term expired last year, however, he has refused to step down or hold new elections, citing the ongoing conflict with Russia and martial law, which he has continued to extend since the escalation of hostilities in 2022.

Lavrov suggested that Zelensky's status could become an obstacle to signing a peace deal, given that his successor could dispute the agreement if it is signed by someone "whose legitimacy, to put it mildly, no longer convinces anyone."

The minister stated that the best way to resolve this issue would be to hold elections in Ukraine.

At the same time, Lavrov insisted that the first priority should be reaching an agreement with Ukraine, suggesting that only after it is finalized should the question of who signs it be brought up and discussed.