Vladimir Putin has ruled out the possibility of a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In an interview with the Russian media "Rosia Tv", Putin described Zelensky as "illegitimate. "We can negotiate with anyone, but because of his illegitimacy, Zelensky has no right to sign anything," Putin declared on Russian state television.
"It is possible to hold talks with anyone. But due to his illegality he is not able to sign anything. If he wants to participate in the talks, I will prepare the people who will hold the talks," the Russian president said.
The Kremlin chief stressed that Russia could appoint people to resolve disputes between the parties, even if Zelensky were present, instead of holding a face-to-face meeting. Putin's statement sparked a reaction from the Ukrainian president, who accused Putin of being "afraid" to negotiate a solution to the almost three-year-old war.
The Russian head of state has repeatedly stated that he does not consider Zelensky a legitimate leader, and this is because his five-year presidential term was supposed to end on May 20, 2024.
"But if there is a desire to hold talks and find a compromise solution, let anyone hold these talks. Of course, we will try to get what we need and what meets our interests. But as for signing the agreement, we need confirmation from legal experts about the legitimacy of those people who will be commissioned by the Ukrainian state to sign these agreements," Putin added.
Meanwhile, a heavy Ukrainian drone attack in Russia hit an industrial plant in the Nizhny Novgorod region. According to Russian news, the oil refinery has belonged to the Russian company Lukoil since 2001. This oil processing plant is one of the largest in the country. (A2 Televizion)
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