• Source:JND
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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to negotiating with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy but with certain conditions in mind. According to Peskov, Putin has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue if necessary but highlighted that the legal foundations of any potential agreements would need to be thoroughly discussed. 

“Putin himself said that he would be ready to negotiate with Zelenskyy if necessary but the legal basis of agreements needs discussion considering the reality that Zelenskyy’s legitimacy can be questioned," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

According to Peskov, Putin has stated his readiness to negotiate if it is deemed necessary, but the foundation of such agreements must be carefully examined due to questions surrounding the legitimacy of Zelenskyy's government. The Russian spokesperson explained, "The main thing for us is to achieve our goals. And, of course, we prefer peaceful means to achieve our goals." Despite this willingness to explore dialogue, Peskov made it clear that the framework of such discussions would be influenced by Russia's strategic objectives and concerns about the legitimacy of Ukraine's leadership.

The possibility of a Putin-Zelenskyy meeting remains uncertain, with Peskov revealing that there is no clear timeline for such an event. However, the Kremlin is hopeful that the ongoing peace talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, could provide some clarity regarding the path forward. The talks, which include high-level representatives from various countries, are seen as an opportunity to push for a resolution to the war that would reflect the realities on the ground.

Peskov on Ukraine's NATO Bid

"Putin's stance on the war has been consistent since he ordered the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Russian president has repeatedly expressed his willingness to negotiate an end to the conflict, but only on terms that align with Russia's objectives," said Peskov. Currently, Russian forces control nearly a fifth of Ukrainian territory, and Putin has made it clear that any peace agreement must acknowledge this territorial reality.

One of Russia's main concerns, according to Peskov, is Ukraine's potential membership in NATO. Moscow has consistently opposed Ukraine's desire to join the transatlantic defence alliance, viewing it as a direct threat to Russia's national security. Peskov emphasised that while Ukraine has the sovereign right to join the European Union, Russia's position on military alliances is a different matter entirely.