“Zelensky’s Letter via ‘Non-Diplomatic’ Channels? Lavrov Says: ‘This is Nonsense'”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has dismissed as “nonsense” Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s publication of an open letter and his stated intention to deliver it through non-diplomatic channels. Lavrov made these remarks on June 5, 2026, in St. Petersburg while answering a question from a journalist.

The question was: after Zelensky mentioned he would use channels other than diplomatic ones for the letter, what channels was he referring to? Lavrov replied, “This is nonsense. Just like French President Emmanuel Macron saying he would like to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. That was also said just to say something and see how it would be received.”

When asked further, “So, nothing has been delivered through diplomatic channels?” Lavrov answered, “No, at least not so far.”

Lavrov’s statement indicates that diplomatic contact between Russia and Ukraine remains severely strained. With no exchange of letters or messages even through diplomatic channels, the possibility of bilateral talks appears distant.