Putin Lays Down Conditions for Ukraine-Russia Peace Is as Elusive as Ever. But in 2022 They Were …”>Peace Talks with Ukraine: Will Only Sign Treaty with Parliament Chair
In a stunning revelation, Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that he is open to peace talks with Ukraine, but only under specific conditions. The Russian leader, speaking at his annual "direct line" event, insisted that Russia is ready to engage in dialogue with Ukraine "without preconditions," provided that the talks adhere to the terms of the Istanbul agreements and reflect the ground realities.
However, Putin threw a curveball when he reiterated his debunked claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is "illegitimate." He asserted that Russia would only sign a peace treaty with "legitimate authorities," namely the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) and its chairman.
Putin indicated that while Russia is willing to engage with Zelensky, the Ukrainian leader must first establish his legitimacy in Moscow’s eyes. "We will talk to anyone, including Zelensky, but he must be legitimate. The document will be signed with those who are legitimate authorities – the Verkhovna Rada and its chairman," Putin stated.
The Russian leader’s comments come as Ukraine continues to resiliently defend its sovereignty against Russian aggression. It remains to be seen whether Putin’s offer of peace talks is a genuine attempt at diplomacy or a calculated maneuver to shore up Russia’s position in the face of mounting international isolation.
In a separate development, Putin once again claimed that Russia is ready for peace negotiations, ressurecting the narrative that the conflict is an art of compromise. He referenced the agreements made in Istanbul in April 2022, asserting that Kyiv had been ready to accept them but was allegedly pressured by Western allies to back out.
Putin did not specify when the war against Ukraine might conclude but reassured Russians that their forces would "definitely drive the defensive forces out of" designated territories, citing the Kursk region as an example.
