Putin labels Zelensky 'illegitimate' to stall peace talks
- Putin once again confirmed that he is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders, and does everything possible to prolong the war, - said President Zelensky on Tuesday. He responded in this way to the Russian dictator's comments, who claimed that Zelensky was "illegitimate" and has no right to sign an agreement with Russia.
The Kremlin is again looking for an excuse not to negotiate. Previously, the dictator declared that the Russian Federation was supposedly ready for talks regarding Ukraine. Still, according to Putin, if negotiations were to start now, "they can be deemed illegitimate, as Zelensky previously decided to ban direct dialogue with the Russian Federation."
Putin: Zelensky is "illegitimate"
When Zelensky responded to his comments and declared that, according to law, he could negotiate with Moscow, the Kremlin escalated the matter.
On Tuesday, in a conversation with a Russian propagandist, Putin insisted that the President of Ukraine is "illegitimate" and "has no right to sign a peace treaty with Russia."
Nonetheless, Putin did not rule out the possibility of negotiations with Zelensky as part of a Ukrainian agreement. - If he [Zelensky - ed.note] wants to take part in the negotiations, I will allocate appropriate people who will conduct these negotiations - he remarked.
Putin emphasised that signing the final document requires absolute legal precision. The dictator stated that the final signing of the documents is a very serious issue that should guarantee the security of both Ukraine and Russia for a long time to come.
Putin is looking for an excuse
According to Putin, under the Ukrainian Constitution, the country's president allegedly has no right to extend their powers during martial law. - Further responsibilities pass to the chairman of the Council. He stated that 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 strive for conditions favourable to itself, and lawyers will need to confirm for Moscow the legitimacy of the persons Kyiv authorises to sign peace agreements.
The President of Ukraine reacted to Putin's words just a few hours later. - 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 – said Zelensky.
Volodymyr Zelensky's term ended on 20 May 2024, but the Ukrainian Constitution prohibits holding elections during martial law.
Previously, Putin called the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, a legitimate representative of the Ukrainian authorities. In response, Stefanchuk reminded that according to the Ukrainian Constitution, the president continues to perform his duties until the newly elected head of state assumes office.
"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," said Stefanchuk at the time. He also emphasized that, according to the Ukrainian Constitution, the President of Ukraine is Volodymyr Zelensky.
