Russian invasion Peace talks

Putin: Can talk to Ukraine – not with Zelensky

Russia can enter into some form of peace talks with Ukraine – but not with the country’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russian President Vladimir Putin said this on state television on Tuesday, according to Reuters.

Putin claims that Zelensky is not a legitimate president because his mandate expired in May 2024. The country has not been able to hold elections because of the Russian invasion, and Zelensky is expected to remain in office until the war is over, according to Le Monde.

The Russian leader suggests that the speaker of the Ukrainian parliament should handle the negotiations, but says there “does not seem to be any will”.

Zelensky’s response: “Putin is afraid to negotiate”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin of wanting to “do everything to make the war last forever”. He writes on social media.

“Today Putin confirmed once again that he is afraid of negotiating and afraid of strong leaders,” writes Zelenskyj.

Earlier on Tuesday, Putin said that he can imagine peace negotiations with Ukraine, but not with Zelenskyj, who Putin claims does not have legitimate power.

Ukraine has not been able to hold elections since the president's mandate expired in May 2024 due to the full-scale Russian invasion, according to Le Monde.