Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow is ready to negotiate with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but does not consider him a legitimate President who can sign a final peace deal.
“Negotiations can be held with anyone, but because of his illegitimacy, he has no right to sign anything. If he wants to participate in the negotiations, I will appoint people who will conduct these negotiations,” Putin said on state TV channel Rossiya 1 broadcast on Jan. 28.
The Russian President also noted that before the negotiations can begin, Zelensky’s decree prohibiting them from being conducted with the Russian authorities must be canceled. At the same time, he said that the Ukrainian President cannot do this because he is illegitimate, but the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada can.
Putin once again expressed the view that 'Western sponsors' want to stop the war, they can put pressure on Ukraine and “close legal issues.” According to him, Kyiv is obstructing the start of negotiations.
The Russian President also claimed that if Western countries stop financial and military support for Ukraine, the war will end within two months.