Putin’s spokesman casts doubt on Zelensky's legitimacy amid peace talk proposal
Dmitry Peskov claims that Vladimir Putin is ready to talk with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The spokesman for the Russian leader emphasizes, however, that—following the longstanding line of Russian propaganda—he has doubts about the legitimacy of Zelensky's presidency.
Many of the reports shared by Russian media and authorities are likely not true. Such information could be part of the information warfare from the Russian Federation.
"Putin himself has repeatedly said he would be ready to negotiate with Zelensky if necessary. At the same time, the legal fixation of the agreements is subject to serious discussion, considering the reality," the Kremlin representative stated in a statement to Russian agencies.
Putin claims that Volodymyr Zelensky, "given the reality that [his] legitimacy can be contested," has no right to sign a peace treaty, although "The Russian side remains open to negotiations."
Let's recall that Putin claims that the change of power in Ukraine was the result of a coup, not democratic elections, which in his view undermines the legitimacy of Zelensky and the entire Ukrainian government.
Additionally, the Kremlin uses these arguments to justify its actions in Ukraine, including the annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in Donbas, which fits into a broader narrative of purported "defence of the Russian-speaking population in that country."
Zelensky: I do not intend to accept the ultimatum
Talks between the Russian and American delegations in Riyadh lasted over four hours on Tuesday. A U.S. State Department spokesperson reported that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed to "appoint respective high-level teams to begin working on a path to ending the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible in a way that is enduring, sustainable, and acceptable to all sides."
At a press conference after the meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the only leader in the world who can initiate the negotiation process and lead to ending the conflict is Donald Trump. - I would say to you that in order to bring an end to any conflict there has to be concessions made by all sides - emphasized Rubio in the presence of journalists.
Volodymyr Zelensky, who travelled to Ankara on Tuesday to inaugurate the opening of the Ukrainian embassy, commented on the outcome of the talks in Riyadh. - I have never given any guarantees to anyone or confirmed anything - he emphasized.
- I have never intended to accept Russia's ultimatums - declared Volodymyr Zelensky, as quoted by Ukrainian media.
