Readiness Expressed by Putin for a Meeting with Zelensky in the Closing Stages of Peace Negotiations
Vladimir Putin has expressed his willingness to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky in what he calls a "final phase" of negotiations, yet continues to question his Ukrainian counterpart's legitimacy as reported on Thursday. During a press conference in St. Petersburg, Putin stated, "I'm even open to meeting him (Zelensky), but only if it's some sort of final phase."
Russia aims to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible, favoring peaceful resolution whenever possible, and is prepared to continue negotiations, Putin added—as long as Kyiv and its Western allies are willing to participate.
"Russia doesn't care who represents Ukraine in negotiations," Putin mentioned, "but any final agreement must bear the signature of legitimate authorities." Direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators could resume after June 22, according to Putin.
Putin has been questioning Zelensky's legitimacy for some time, with the Kremlin attempting to discredit Kyiv by portraying Zelensky as such. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated back in February that for Putin to engage in talks with Zelensky, "legal aspects related to his legitimacy" must be addressed[1][2][5].
U.S. President Donald Trump's comments could be seen as echoing the Kremlin's narrative, claiming that Zelensky is merely a "modestly successful comedian" turned "dictator" who "refused to hold elections." However, Ukraine held no elections due to the ongoing conflict being under martial law[3].
Meanwhile, Putin has stated that Russia is ready for further peace talks with Ukraine after June 22, following the completion of prisoner and fallen soldier exchanges. Regarding potential discussions with Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Putin noted that the two parties would be open to talks[4]. Yet, he expressed doubts regarding Germany's neutrality and effectiveness as a mediator, given the presence of German military equipment on the battlefield and possible supply of Taurus missiles for attacks on Russian territory[4].
In summary, Putin remains open to negotiations with Zelensky, but continues to question his legitimacy. Russian-aligned narratives and propaganda often challenge Zelensky's authority, while milder criticisms come from Trump and some domestic political discussions in Ukraine. However, the ongoing conflict's legal prohibition of elections and martial law complicate the matter[1][2][3][4][5].
- The legitimacy of Volodymyr Zelensky, as questioned by Vladimir Putin, remains a major point of contention in the Russia-Ukraine war-and-conflicts, with political discussions in both countries discussing this issue.
- As the war in Ukraine remains unresolved, President Putin of Russia has expressed a readiness for further peace talks on general-news platforms, despite continuing to question the legitimacy of his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky.
