By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Russia could hold peace talks with Ukraine to end the nearly three-year war in Kyiv, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday but ruled out the inclusion of President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he called “illegitimate,” at the negotiation table.
Since assuming office on 20 January, US President Donald Trump has put pressure on both sides to end the fighting that began in 2022, threatening tougher sanctions on Russia while claiming that Zelensky is ready to negotiate a “deal.”
“If (Zelensky) wants to participate in the negotiations, I will allocate people to take part,” Putin said, calling the Ukrainian leader “illegitimate” because his presidential term expired during martial law.
“If there is a desire to negotiate and find a compromise, let anyone lead the negotiations there… Naturally, we will strive for what suits us, what corresponds to our interests,” he added.
The Ukrainian leader, Zelensky, swiftly responded by saying that Putin was “afraid” of negotiations and was using “cynical tricks” to prolong the conflict.
He said there was a chance to achieve “real peace” but that Putin was frustrating efforts to stop the fighting.
“Today, Putin once again confirmed that he is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders, and does everything possible to prolong the war,” Zelensky wrote on X.
Kyiv has warned against being excluded from any peace talks between Russia and the US, accusing Putin of wanting to “manipulate” Trump.
Putin also claimed the fighting would end in two months or less if the West cut its support to Kyiv.
“They will not exist for a month if the money and, in a broad sense, the bullets run out. Everything would be over in a month and a half or two,” Putin said in comments to a state TV reporter.
The conflict has shown no signs of de-escalating despite Trump’s promise to enact a quick ceasefire once in office.
Russia said on Wednesday that it had downed more than 100 Ukrainian drones in an overnight attack, while Kyiv’s military said Moscow had launched an overnight drone attack of its own.
