MOSCOW:The Kremlin on Wednesday dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent statement about being open to direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling it “empty rhetoric.”
Talk of a potential resolution to the ongoing conflict has increased with Donald Trump returning to the White House, pledging to end the war, and Ukrainian forces facing challenges on the eastern front.
Zelensky, in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, said that if direct talks with Putin were the only way to secure peace for the people of Ukraine and prevent further loss of life, he would be open to that option.
However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Zelensky’s statement, calling it “empty words” and highlighting a decree from 2022 which rules out direct negotiations with Putin. Peskov also reiterated Moscow’s stance that Zelensky’s legitimacy as president is questionable due to his expired mandate and Ukraine’s martial law, which bars elections.
Despite this, Peskov insisted that Russia remains open to discussions, but emphasized that Kyiv must first show willingness and interest in negotiations.
Following the interview, Zelensky took to social media, calling talks with Putin a “compromise” for Ukraine and its allies, labeling Putin as a “murderer and a terrorist.” He argued that diplomacy involving Putin would be a compromise for the international community.
Zelensky also expressed that Putin would only understand the need to end the war if faced with a clear ultimatum from the United States, adding that President Trump holds significant influence in shaping the peace process.
Peskov also responded to Zelensky’s recent remarks on Ukraine’s nuclear aspirations, where the Ukrainian president suggested that Ukraine might need nuclear weapons as a deterrent if NATO membership becomes unattainable. Peskov condemned these comments as “bordering on madness” and stressed the importance of adhering to international non-proliferation treaties.
Ukraine continues to face significant challenges in pushing back Russian forces, and Zelensky has acknowledged that regaining lost territory seems increasingly unlikely.
