On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Ukraine could find a legal way to initiate peace talks to end the war that’s been raging for nearly three years. However, he emphasized that Moscow sees no willingness from Kyiv to engage in any dialogue.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, quick to respond, rejected Putin’s comments, accusing him of using the issue of legitimacy as an excuse. Zelenskiy argued that Putin was simply avoiding talks and was more interested in dragging the war out.
Putin, in an interview with Russian state television, said that negotiations were complicated by Zelenskiy’s “illegitimacy”, as he had overstayed his term and had no legal authority to sign agreements. However, Putin suggested that Ukraine could still find a way forward.
“If they want to proceed, there’s a legal way to do it. Let the chairman of the Rada (Ukraine’s parliament) handle it according to the constitution,” Putin stated. “If there’s a desire, we can resolve any legal issues. But so far, we don’t see any willingness.”
Putin further explained that if Ukraine truly wanted to engage in negotiations, they could find someone “suitable” to lead the talks, but insisted that any agreement signed would need to be confirmed as legitimate by legal experts.
Russia has repeatedly argued that Zelenskiy has no legal authority, as his term expired in May 2024 without a presidential election. The Ukrainian constitution allows the speaker of parliament to step in if the president is unable to fulfill their duties. However, Kyiv authorities maintain that Zelenskiy remains the legitimate leader, citing martial law imposed after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, which prevents holding elections.
Zelenskiy, taking to Telegram, dismissed Putin’s remarks. He accused the Russian president of fearing negotiations and strong leaders, accusing him of trying to make the war “endless.”
Putin also hinted that peace talks could be possible if Ukraine’s Western allies supported the idea, suggesting that finding a legal path forward would be simple. He claimed he had sent an “appropriate signal” to former U.S. President Joe Biden on the matter. Additionally, Putin suggested that a 2022 Ukrainian presidential decree barring talks with Russian leadership could be legally rescinded.
Zelenskiy, however, clarified that the decree was targeted at preventing talks with separatists, especially after Russia annexed four Ukrainian regions, and it didn’t prevent discussions with Russia itself.
