Kremlin open to talks amid Zelensky's disputed presidency
Russia has not rejected talks with Volodymyr Zelensky, even though President Vladimir Putin considers him an "illegal" president of Ukraine, stated Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. He also confirmed that the Kremlin is in contact with the Trump administration.
- Mr. Zelensky has big problems de jure in terms of his legitimacy, but even so, the Russian side remains open to negotiations - said Peskov. At the same time, he noted that the Ukrainian authorities must show interest and lift the statutory ban on contacts with Putin.
Negotiations getting closer?
Otherwise, the Kremlin will not take Zelensky's statements about readiness for direct negotiations with the Russian leader seriously.
- Readiness must be grounded in something – both readiness and willingness. It can't be based on a legislative ban preventing Zelenskyy from negotiating. Therefore, for now, it’s impossible to view this as anything other than empty words - said Peskov. When asked if Putin considers Zelensky an enemy, Peskov stated that "there should be no place for emotions" – only legal analysis and absolute pragmatism.
The Kremlin has altered its rhetoric regarding Zelensky's alleged legitimacy. Russia believes that due to the expiration of Volodymyr Zelensky's term in office, he cannot participate in peace talks. The Kremlin's claims have been refuted by Ukraine's Supreme Council, which unequivocally confirmed that until the next elections, President Zelensky retains power.
Trump's team talks with Russia
Peskov also confirmed that the Kremlin maintains contacts with specific departments of the Trump administration, noting that they have become more intense recently.
- I can say that there are indeed contacts through individual agencies. They have intensified recently. I cannot say any other details - he said.
On Tuesday evening, Donald Trump reiterated that negotiations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine were going "very well." He did not provide details. This was another statement by Trump regarding ongoing negotiations. Up until now, the Kremlin had denied that talks between Moscow and Washington were taking place.
Zelensky ready for negotiations
On Tuesday, the President of Ukraine declared that he is prepared for direct negotiations with Putin to end the war.
- If that is the only setup in which we can bring peace to the citizens of Ukraine and not lose people, definitely, we will go for this setup ... What does it matter, my attitude to him? – said Zelensky. However, he noted that he "will not be kind" to Putin, as he considers him an "enemy." Zelensky also added that besides Ukraine and Russia, the USA and the EU should be at the negotiating table.
Russia challenges Zelensky's mandate
Putin, who ensured the possibility of unlimited candidacy and last year began his fifth term without real competition, called Zelensky "illegal" because his term ended on 20th May 2024, and new elections were not held due to martial law.
The Russian leader emphasised that Zelensky has no right to sign a peace treaty because this procedure requires absolute legal precision, as the document "must guarantee the security of both Ukraine and Russia for a serious, long-term historical perspective."
At the same time, Putin expressed readiness to "appoint people" to conduct negotiations with Zelensky if he "wants" to participate in them. The "only legitimate authority" in Ukraine with whom direct dialogue about ending the war would be possible, according to Putin, is the Speaker of the Supreme Council Ruslan Stefanchuk. Elections to the Council were supposed to take place in autumn 2023, but this did not happen due to martial law.
It was Stefanchuk who responded to Putin, stating that Volodymyr Zelensky retains power in the country until the next elections, as the constitution states.
