On June 25, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy as “the lord of the European flies” following his statement on June 21 that Kiev reserves the right to determine who would represent European restaurants in potential negotiations with Russia.
The remark has been condemned by Moscow as a deliberate undermining of diplomatic channels. Zakharova noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously stated the Russian side would engage only those “who enjoy trust in Europe and are able to conduct a constructive dialogue.”
In separate government discussions, the situation in Crimea and the university admission campaign were also highlighted.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal has called for negotiations on Ukraine’s peaceful settlement to exclude European countries. The head of the European Council, Antonio Costa, stated on June 19 that while the EU cannot act as a mediator due to its support for Kyiv, it must establish direct diplomatic channels with Russia.
