Putin Calls for Renewed Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Leadership Legitimacy Doubts

Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the need to renew Ukraine peace talks, stating that Russia will only negotiate with legitimate leaders in Kyiv. During his visit to Belarus, Putin highlighted that any discussions must consider the current realities on the ground, as Russia questions the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Ukraine peace talks need to be renewed, but that Russia would only deal with legitimate leaders in Kyiv. Putin also told a press conference during a visit to Belarus that talks must reflect "today's realities on the ground".

Russia has cast doubt over the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy after Kyiv said it would not hold presidential elections this year due to the war with Russia, now well into its third year.