Kremlin says Putin is open to talks with Zelensky but questions Ukrainian president’s ‘legitimacy’
Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to talks with Volodymyr Zelensky, but the question of Zelensky’s “legitimacy” must be taken into account, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday, according to Russian state media.
Putin “has repeatedly stated that he would be ready to negotiate with Zelensky if necessary,” Peskov reportedly said. “However, legally formalizing any agreements would require serious discussion given the reality that Zelensky’s legitimacy can be contested.”
Russian propaganda and officials have been claiming that Zelensky is an “illegitimate” president at least since May 2024, when his five-year presidential term was set to end. However, Ukrainian law prohibits elections under martial law, and Russia’s ongoing invasion and occupation would make a fair presidential vote logistically impossible.
