Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Vladimir Putin of being “afraid” to engage in peace talks after his Russian counterpart claimed Kyiv’s government was illegitimate and not worthy to negotiate with.
Zelensky took to X on Tuesday night to condemn Putin’s apparent disinterest at negotiating an end to the nearly three-year-long war after the Russian president claimed Kyiv’s current government should have no say in any peace talks.
“Putin once again confirmed that he is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders, and does everything possible to prolong the war,” Zelensky wrote.
“Every move he makes and all his cynical tricks are aimed at making the war endless,” he added.
Putin, who is facing economic threats from the Trump administration, claimed Moscow was open to discussing a diplomatic end to the war, but insisted such talks should be done without Zelensky, who he called an “illegitimate” leader.
“Negotiations can be held with anyone,” Putin told state media. “But due to (Zelensky’s) illegitimacy he has no right to sign anything.”
“We can do it the easy way, or the hard way — and the easy way is always better,” he added.
Putin’s remarks were only the most recent aimed at Zelensky’s government, with Moscow calling into question his presidential status due over Kyiv’s ongoing martial law declaration, which was imposed when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
If not for the law in place, Zelensky’s term would have ended last May, but no elections have taken place since the Russian assault.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev echoed Putin’s criticism and warned Zelensky that a re-election bid would be “extremely dangerous for him.”
While Trump has yet to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war, which he promised to do on his first day in office, the president’s administration has threatened to levy new sanctions against Russia.
Trump has said Moscow cannot afford to suffer any more economic hits amid sky high inflation, calling on Putin to join the US and Ukraine at the negotiating table.
Gen. Keith Kellogg, President Trump’s Ukraine envoy, said the threats will bear fruit as he also estimated that Russia has suffered more than 800,000 casualties among its ranks during the war.
Despite Trump’s repeated threats and invitations, Putin has yet to show any signs that he is willing to negotiate with Zelensky.
