Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Tuesday that Ukraine could find a legal means to initiate peace talks with Russia to end their nearly three-year war. However, Moscow sees no willingness from Kyiv to engage in negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky swiftly dismissed Putin’s remarks questioning his legitimacy, asserting that the Kremlin leader was afraid of negotiations and sought to prolong the conflict.
Speaking to Russian state television, Putin argued that discussions with Ukraine were complicated by Zelensky’s “illegitimacy,” as he remains in power beyond his mandate without the authority to sign agreements.
“But in principle, if they wish to move forward, there is a legal way to do so. The chairman of the Rada (Ukraine’s parliament) could handle it in accordance with the constitution,” Putin told Kremlin journalist Pavel Zarubin.
“If there is a genuine desire, any legal issues can be resolved. However, as of now, we do not see such a desire,” he added.
Putin suggested that if Ukraine demonstrated a willingness to negotiate and seek compromises, “any suitable person can lead the talks. Naturally, we will ensure that our interests are secured.
“But when it comes to signing agreements, everything must be carried out in a way that legal experts confirm the legitimacy of those authorized by the Ukrainian state to do so,” he emphasized.
Russia has repeatedly claimed that Zelensky no longer holds legal authority since his term ended in May 2024, and no presidential election has been held since.
Ukraine’s constitution grants the speaker of parliament the authority to act in the president’s absence. However, Ukrainian officials argue that Zelensky remains the legitimate leader, as martial law has been in place since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, preventing the possibility of elections.
Responding on Telegram, Zelensky stated that Putin had “once again confirmed that he is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders, and is doing everything to prolong the war.”
Putin’s actions, he said, were aimed at making the war “never-ending.”
Putin also claimed that if Ukraine’s Western allies supported the idea of negotiations, it would be easy to find a legal way to proceed. He noted that he had sent “an appropriate signal” regarding this to former U.S. President Joe Biden.
Additionally, Putin suggested that a legal mechanism could be established to revoke a 2022 Ukrainian presidential decree, which Moscow claims prohibited any talks with Russia’s leadership.
Last week, Zelensky clarified that the decree—issued after Russia’s unilateral annexation of four Ukrainian regions—only barred negotiations with Ukrainian factions outside his authority and was intended to prevent discussions with separatist groups.
