Zelensky's strong appeal: "The West will have to decide"

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, has stated in an interview with the Associated Press that the West will have to decide whether to recognize Vladimir Putin as a legitimate president. This comes after the declaration of the impending March elections in Russia, where Putin is expected to run unopposed.

"We understand that elections in Russia are undemocratic. Regardless of how they are conducted, everyone knows what the outcome will be. (...) Potentially, these could be illegal elections that the world may not recognize," he declared.

According to Zelenskyy, the West's non-recognition of the results of the Russian presidential elections could be a pivotal moment.

"With a high likelihood that Putin will participate in these elections, and even greater likelihood that he’ll win them, the crux finally comes to the leaders of the Western civilized world: should they recognize him or not? The illegitimacy of President Putin's victory could constitute this breakthrough moment," he emphasized.

Zelenskyy expressed his wish for Western politicians to perceive this situation independently.

"I want them to grasp this so that I won't have to pressure or convince them. After witnessing the consequences that Russia has brought about, particularly in Ukraine, I believe the world already comprehends the situation," he stated.

He also critiqued the lack of opposition against Putin in Russia. "We see a manufactured, contract opposition sharing Putin's stance on war, Russia's global isolation, nuclear weapons, economy, and the occupation of Ukraine. This isn't real opposition. It's yet another Putin satellite albeit with a different face and name, but fundamentally identical," said Zelenskyy.

The presidential elections in Russia are slated for March 2024.