Putin claims Zelensky illegitimate, suggests peace talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Volodymyr Zelensky is "illegitimate" and lacks the authority to sign a peace treaty with Russia, citing the Constitution of Ukraine.

In an interview with propagandist Pavlo Zarubin, Putin suggested that negotiations might be possible, but only with other representatives from Kyiv. "If Zelensky wishes to participate in the negotiations, I will appoint individuals to lead them," said the Russian leader, emphasizing that any final agreement must be "legally sound," according to Moscowtimes.
Putin also asserted that, under Ukrainian law, during martial law, presidential powers are transferred to the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, whom he described as the "legitimate representative of the Ukrainian authorities." In response, Stefanchuk pointed out that, according to Article 108 of the Ukrainian Constitution, the president's mandate continues until a new head of state is sworn in.
Volodymyr Zelensky reacted strongly, asserting that Putin's remarks reveal his fear of negotiations and strong leaders. "Russia initiated a hybrid war against Ukraine, which escalated into a full-scale war in 2022. Now we see that real peace is possible, but it is Putin who is doing everything he can either to continue mass killing or to take a pause in order to prepare for a new large-scale invasion through hybrid attacks," said the Ukrainian leader.
Zelensky called on world leaders to take coordinated and decisive action against Moscow, emphasizing that "real peace is only possible if we force Russia to accept it": "Putin has the power to destroy the world, but a heart too small and cowardly to withstand real pressure from leaders. That is why we must act in a coordinated and decisive manner – all of us who are brave enough to believe in peace and bring it closer through force. Real peace is possible if we force Russia to do this."
Translation by Iurie Tataru