Putin is willing to meet Zelensky but has concerns
(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that he is open to holding talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though he raised concerns about the Ukrainian government’s legitimacy when it comes to endorsing a conclusive peace deal. He warned that any agreement could be rendered meaningless if not signed by what he considers a lawful authority.
During a discussion with international media representatives in St. Petersburg, Putin stated: “I said that I am ready to meet with everyone, including Zelenskyy. That is not the question. If the Ukrainian state trusts someone to negotiate, for God’s sake, let it be with Zelenskyy.”
Despite being open to dialogue, Putin stressed that the main issue isn’t about who takes part in negotiations, but rather who is authorized to sign any final settlement.
“When solving serious issues, it is not the propaganda component that is important, but the legal one,” Putin said, raising doubts over whether an “illegitimate” Ukrainian leader could legally finalize a peace agreement.
He added, “we don’t care who conducts the negotiations, even if it is the current head of the regime. I am even ready to meet. But if this is some kind of final stage…the signature must be of the legitimate authorities.”
Putin cautioned that, without legal grounding, a future leader might simply dismiss the agreement. “The next one will come and throw it all in the trash,” he warned, calling that outcome unacceptable when “solving serious issues.”
He also cast doubt on Germany’s potential to mediate the conflict fairly, pointing to its active role in the military confrontation.
“Can Germany contribute more than the United States as a mediator in our negotiations with Ukraine? I doubt it,” Putin said. “A mediator must be neutral.”
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