Putin avoids peace talks, calls Zelensky 'illegitimate'
"Putin once again confirmed that he is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders, and does everything possible to prolong the war," said President Zelensky on Tuesday. He responded to comments from the Russian leader, who stated that Zelensky is "illegitimate" and has no authority to sign an agreement with Russia.
The Kremlin continues to look for excuses to avoid negotiations. Previously, Putin claimed that Russia was supposedly ready for talks on Ukraine. However, according to Putin, if negotiations were to commence now, "they could be considered illegitimate, as Zelensky has decided to prohibit direct dialogue with the Russian Federation."
Putin: Zelensky is "illegitimate"
When Zelensky responded by asserting that, according to the law, he could engage in talks with Moscow, the Kremlin escalated its stance.
On Tuesday, speaking with a Russian propagandist, Putin reiterated that the President of Ukraine is "illegal" and "has no right to sign a peace treaty with Russia."
At the same time, Putin did not eliminate the possibility of negotiations with Zelensky under a Ukrainian agreement. "If he [Zelensky - ed.note] wants to take part in the negotiations, I will allocate appropriate people who will conduct these negotiations," he stated.
Putin emphasized that signing any final document requires absolute legal precision. It's an issue that should guarantee the security of both Ukraine and Russia in the long historical term. "The final signing of the documents is a very serious issue that should guarantee the security of both Ukraine and Russia for a serious, long time in the future," the Russian leader stated.
Putin is looking for an excuse
According to Putin, under the Ukrainian Constitution, the president allegedly does not have the right to extend their powers during martial law. "Further responsibilities pass to the chairman of the Council. Well, if there is a desire to negotiate and find a compromise solution, then let anyone lead them there," he remarked.
Putin noted that during negotiations, the Russian side would strive for conditions favorable to itself, and lawyers would need to confirm the legitimacy of the persons Kyiv authorizes to sign peace agreements.
The President of Ukraine reacted to Putin's words just a few hours later. "Now, there is a chance to achieve a real peace, but it is Putin who is doing everything in his power to either continue large-scale killings or secure a pause in order to continue hybrid attacks while preparing for a new full-scale invasion," said Zelensky.
Volodymyr Zelensky's term ends on May 20, 2024, but the Ukrainian Constitution prohibits holding elections during martial law.
Previously, Putin called the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, a legitimate representative of the Ukrainian authorities. In response, Stefanchuk reminded that according to the Ukrainian Constitution, the president continues to perform their duties until a newly elected head of state assumes office.
"I would recommend that inquisitive readers read the text of our Constitution not selectively and pay attention to Article 108, paragraph 1: "The President of Ukraine shall exercise his/her powers until the newly elected President of Ukraine takes office." In democratic societies, this is called the continuity of power. But this "continuity" is not in the russian sense (as "in perpetuity"), but in the normal, democratic and security sense," said Stefanchuk at the time. He also emphasized that according to the Ukrainian Constitution, the President of Ukraine is Volodymyr Zelensky.
