Lavrov says invitation to Zelensky to visit Moscow a goodwill gesture

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday that inviting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit Moscow for negotiations represents a significant goodwill gesture from Russia.

Speaking on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi, Lavrov told Russia's Sputnik agency, commenting on Zelensky's remarks about wanting to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin: "The invitation has been extended to him (Zelensky). If he wants a meeting, he should come." Lavrov added that this is indeed a major goodwill gesture from Russia, noting that Zelensky has yet to revoke his decree prohibiting contact with Putin and his team.

Lavrov also pointed out that Zelensky, who proposed holding talks with President Putin in the United States, is rarely in his own country, while the Russian leadership has many responsibilities requiring their presence in Russia. "He (Zelensky) is always traveling and does not stay in his country, while we have work to do at home," Lavrov said.

The Russian foreign minister affirmed that Russia remains open to negotiations aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict, but will not halt its special military operation during talks. "We are still ready for negotiations, but we will not stop the special military operation during the negotiation period," he said.