MOSCOW:
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Tuesday that Ukraine could potentially find a legal path for peace talks to end their ongoing conflict with Russia. However, Putin emphasized that Moscow perceives no willingness from Kyiv to engage in such negotiations.
Putin, in an interview with Russian state television, pointed out that talks were complicated by what he described as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s “illegitimacy.” He argued that Zelenskiy lacks the authority to sign agreements due to his extended tenure beyond the legal mandate, as no new presidential elections have been held.
According to Putin, there is a legal framework that could enable talks if Ukraine genuinely desires peace. He suggested that the chairman of Ukraine’s parliament, the Rada, could oversee the negotiations in line with the country’s constitution. However, he made it clear that Moscow has yet to see any indication of Ukraine’s willingness to engage.
Putin also reiterated that if Ukraine’s Western allies supported the idea of negotiations, finding a legal method to proceed would be straightforward. He said he had sent a message to former President Joe Biden on this matter.
Further, Putin alluded to the possibility of revisiting a 2022 Ukrainian presidential decree, which Moscow claims prohibits any talks with Russian leadership. Zelenskiy clarified that the decree only blocked talks with separatists and groups outside of his control. Putin expressed that, if needed, a legal process could overturn this decree and open the door for negotiations.
