Putin doesn’t see ‘much sense’ in direct talks with Zelensky
There is little point in holding direct talks with Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said, adding that he is nonetheless prepared to do so. He made the remarks during the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on Friday.
Putin said reaching agreements with Kiev on key issues would be “practically impossible.” He explained that even with political will, there are “legal and technical difficulties” related to territorial questions. The president was referring to the status of Crimea and other regions that voted to join Russia in referendums in 2014 and 2022.
“The leadership of the Kiev regime, to put it mildly, spoke of us in unflattering terms and ruled out any possibility of direct contacts. Now we see that they are asking for such contacts, or at least proposing them. I have said many times already that I am ready for these contacts,” Putin said, adding that he does not see “much sense in it.”
Putin argued that any agreements with Kiev must be confirmed by referendum under Ukraine’s constitution. But to hold a referendum, the martial law imposed after the escalation of the conflict with Russia in February 2022 would need to be lifted.
If this took place, presidential elections would have to be held, Putin said, again questioning Zelensky’s status as head of state.
Zelensky’s presidential term expired last May, but he has refused to hold elections, citing martial law.
“Therefore, this endless process leads nowhere. Nevertheless, we have said that we are ready for meetings at the highest level,” Putin noted.
The Russian leader stressed that Moscow would be the best place for possible negotiations. “The Ukrainian side wants a meeting? Come! We will ensure security,” Putin said.
Earlier this week, at a press conference in China, Putin reiterated his readiness in principle to meet with Zelensky, suggesting that he could travel to the Russian capital to negotiate peace terms.
Kiev has rejected the proposal; according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga, Zelensky takes a possible meeting with Putin seriously and is ready “at any time,” but will not accept “deliberately unacceptable proposals.”
