"Putin does not want real negotiations": Zelensky sees through the Kremlin's game of "legitimacy"

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is afraid to start negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Instead, the Kremlin leader is pushing the narrative that this is a war between the West and Russia.

Thus, Putin does not want to admit that he is losing to Ukraine, so he manipulates statements about the alleged illegitimacy of the Ukrainian government. This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with the Associated Press.

According to the head of state, the Russian dictator considers direct negotiations with Ukraine to be a manifestation of weakness, so he avoids them. At the same time, the Kremlin leader is desperately signaling that he wants to talk to the United States.

"But without Ukraine, such negotiations will not lead to results, it would be wrong without us. If President Trump and I discuss concrete steps to end this war and clearly define the way forward, then perhaps he will be able to talk to the Russians after that," Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian president noted that Putin will look for excuses and tell the story of "illegitimacy" to delay time and try to avoid ending the war.

"It's not about individuals - it's about Putin's position within his own state. He wants to show that Ukraine is not a sovereign entity, that he is at war with NATO and the West, so why should he talk to Ukraine? In his mind, he is at war with America, and he thinks he is winning. But on the battlefield, despite all the difficulties, Ukraine did not allow him to win," the President of Ukraine emphasized.

To recap, President Volodymyr Zelensky is convinced that Ukraine must first build a detailed plan for negotiations with its Western partners. Only after that will it be possible to seek diplomatic contacts with representatives of the aggressor country Russia.

Earlier it was reported that US President Donald Trump's team is working on a plan that will end the Russian-Ukrainian war "in months, not years." At the same time, the White House promises to put pressure "on both Ukraine and Russia."

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!