The Kremlin indicated on Thursday its openness to negotiations with Ukraine to end the ongoing conflict, despite expressing doubts about the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s rule.
Ukraine’s Stance on Negotiations
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, during a visit to China, stated that Kyiv is prepared for talks with Russia if Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are fully respected. However, he noted that there has been no sign of such respect from Russia.
Kremlin’s Position on Zelenskyy’s Legitimacy
The Kremlin has signaled its readiness for talks but on its own terms. It has publicly questioned Zelenskyy’s mandate, pointing out that his five-year term expired in May, and he should have called an election. In response, Zelenskyy and Western allies argue that it is necessary to suspend normal political rules during wartime. They also contend that the Kremlin, with its tightly controlled political system, is in no position to criticise.
Statements from the Kremlin
When asked whether Russia would negotiate with Ukraine while Zelenskyy remains in power, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated: “Russia is generally open to a negotiation process. But first, we have to understand how ready the Ukrainian side is for this and how much the Ukrainian side has permission for this from its handlers.”
Moscow portrays Zelenskyy as a U.S. puppet, a characterization he rejects. Peskov further stated: “Because so far you see very different statements being made, and it is not quite clear yet. Besides, in addition to the problem with Zelenskyy’s legitimacy, there is also a problem with a (Ukrainian) legal ban on having any contacts and negotiations with the Russian side. Therefore, there is still a lot to be clarified and clarifications to be heard.”
Potential for Negotiations
When pressed if the Kremlin could envisage negotiating with Zelenskyy or if it categorically ruled out such a possibility, Peskov said: “The question is not an easy one. From a legal point of view, this problem (of his legitimacy) is on the agenda, but from a practical point of view we are open to achieving our goals through negotiations. Therefore, different options are possible here.”
Recent Developments
In May, Reuters reported that Putin was ready to halt the war with a negotiated ceasefire but was prepared to continue fighting if Kyiv and the West did not respond. In June, Putin stated that Russia would end the war only if Kyiv agreed to drop its NATO ambitions and hand over the entirety of four provinces claimed by Moscow. Kyiv swiftly rejected these demands as tantamount to surrender.
With Inputs from Reuters
