Putin's peace plea: A strategic pause or genuine offer?

The Kremlin appears to be seeking yet another reason to avoid negotiations. Previously, Putin suggested that Russia might be open to discussions regarding Ukraine. However, he also mentioned that any current talks could be considered illegal because, in his view, Zelensky has already decided to prohibit direct dialogue with the Russian Federation.

The Kremlin escalated its stance after Zelensky responded and asserted that he was legally authorized to negotiate with Moscow.

In a discussion with a Russian propagandist on Tuesday, Putin reiterated that the President of Ukraine is "illegitimate" and "has no right to sign a peace treaty with Russia."

At the same time, Putin left open the possibility of negotiations with Zelensky under a Ukrainian framework. He stated, "If he [Zelensky - ed.note] wants to take part in the negotiations, I will allocate appropriate people who will conduct these negotiations."

Putin emphasized that signing the final document requires absolute legal precision. "The final signing of the documents is a very serious issue that should guarantee the security of both Ukraine and Russia for a serious, long time in the future," he stated.

Putin suggested that, according to the Ukrainian Constitution, the president doesn't have the right to extend their powers during martial law. He explained that further responsibilities pass to the chairman of the Council. If there is a desire to negotiate and find a compromise solution, then let anyone lead them there.

The dictator noted that during negotiations, the Russian side will seek conditions favourable to them, and lawyers would need to verify the legitimacy of those Kyiv authorizes to sign peace agreements.

Just a few hours later, President Zelensky reacted to Putin's words. He stated, "Now, there is a chance to achieve a real peace, but it is Putin who is doing everything in his power to either continue large-scale killings or secure a pause in order to continue hybrid attacks while preparing for a new full-scale invasion."

Volodymyr Zelensky's term will end on May 20, 2024, but the Ukrainian Constitution prohibits holding elections during martial law.

Previously, Putin referred to the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, as a legitimate representative of Ukrainian authorities. Stefanchuk responded by highlighting that under the Ukrainian Constitution, the president continues to perform his duties until the newly elected head of state takes office.

Stefanchuk stated, "I would recommend that inquisitive readers read the text of our Constitution not selectively and pay attention to Article 108, paragraph 1: "The President of Ukraine shall exercise his/her powers until the newly elected President of Ukraine takes office." In democratic societies, this is called the continuity of power. But this "continuity" is not in the russian sense (as "in perpetuity"), but in the normal, democratic and security sense." He also emphasized that according to the Ukrainian Constitution, the President of Ukraine is Volodymyr Zelensky.