Russia's Lavrov accuses West, Zelensky of blocking Ukraine peace talks

MOSCOW, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Western nations and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of obstructing peace talks on Ukraine in an interview released Sunday.

Speaking to Russia-1 TV, Lavrov said Western countries "are just looking for an excuse to prevent negotiations." He added that Zelensky is "acting stubborn" and demanding an immediate meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Lavrov said European countries were trying to undermine the progress made by Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump met with Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15 for talks, though no deal was reached. The U.S. president also met with Zelensky and European leaders the following Monday in Washington. ■