Ukraine peace talks conditional on Türkiye, Belarus deals

Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating their readiness to begin peace negotiations with Ukraine, set conditions for Ukraine. Putin emphasized the need to fulfill agreements reached during negotiations with Türkiye and Belarus for peace.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with President Alexander Lukashenko during his visit to Belarus at the Independence Palace in Minsk’s capital.

During their meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, the integration process within the Russia-Belarus Union State, and current international issues. Following the talks, a joint press conference was held.

Condition of negotiations

Addressing the negotiation process between Russia and Ukraine, Putin remarked Russia has never abandoned negotiations, and it was the U.K. that dissuaded Ukraine. Putin highlighted the reintroduction of the negotiation issue, stating: “Ukrainians can return to negotiations, but not according to the demands of a single country. They can do so based on the fundamental agreements reached in negotiations with Belarus and Türkiye and the realities on the ground. We are ready for this.”

‘Zelenskyy not a legitimate leader’

Pointing out the end of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s term, Putin stated, “The question of whom to negotiate with is not simple. Certainly, the legitimacy of the current president has expired, and we are aware of this. One of the objectives of the conference to be held in Switzerland is for the Western community to support the Kyiv government in approving the legitimacy of the outgoing president. However, token gestures have no legal significance.”

“We must ensure we are dealing with a legitimate government. This question should be answered first and foremost by the parliament, the Constitutional Court, or other government bodies in Ukraine. We need to look at what is written in the Ukrainian Constitution,” the Russian leader continued.