Putin Questions Legitimacy of Zelensky: What It Means for Negotiations

According to hvylya.net: The Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has expressed doubts about the 'legitimacy' of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and believes that reaching a peace agreement with the Ukrainian government is impossible. This information was published by ISW.

Putin noted that he 'sees no point' in negotiations with Ukraine, as he stated that reaching agreements with Kyiv is supposedly 'impossible'.

Furthermore, Putin has put forward new demands, indicating that even if a peace agreement is reached, Ukraine must lift martial law and hold presidential elections, as well as organize a 'national referendum to codify the agreements'. At the same time, analysts note that this is a strategic move by Putin, who is trying to paint Zelensky and the Ukrainian leadership as unfit for negotiations.

Putin's Strategy Regarding Ukraine

Experts see in Putin's statements an attempt to divert attention from substantive negotiations regarding the end of the war, to define Ukraine as an unpromising partner, and to shift the blame for the breakdown of diplomatic relations onto the Ukrainian side.

Putin raises questions about Zelensky's 'legitimacy' and sets new demands in relations with Ukraine, which has sparked a discussion on the Kremlin's strategy towards Ukraine. Experts emphasize that this move could be an attempt by Russia to divert attention from a peaceful resolution of the conflict and to shift the responsibility for its failure onto the Ukrainian side.