The Kremlin questions Ukraine’s sovereignty and the legitimacy of its leaders, which contradicts Putin’s agreements on negotiations. Any agreement must include recognition of the legitimacy of the Ukrainian authorities.
High-ranking Russian officials continue to deny the legitimacy of the Ukrainian President, government, Constitution, and the sovereignty of Ukraine, despite recent attempts by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to feign interest in peace talks to end the war. This is stated in material published by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), reports UNN.
It is noted that the day before, Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev stated during the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum that there are currently no Ukrainian officials authorised to conclude a peace treaty with Russia, and that Russia may need to refer to the Constitution of Ukraine to determine authorised negotiating partners.
Medvedev questioned Ukraine’s sovereignty and stated that Ukraine is a “failed state” whose leaders’ lack of legitimacy raises “serious questions” about whom Russia can negotiate with during future peace talks,
— indicate ISW.
ISW believes that Medvedev’s statements directly contradict Putin’s agreement with US President Donald Trump to immediately begin bilateral negotiations with Ukraine.
Medvedev’s statements indicate that Russia is not genuinely interested in engaging with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy or other high-ranking Ukrainian government officials, who are key to bilateral negotiations aimed at ending the war,
— the article states.
Analysts emphasise that any long-term peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine must include Russia’s unequivocal recognition of the legitimacy of the Ukrainian President, government, and Constitution.
At the end of January, Putin stated he was ready to send representatives to negotiations with Zelenskyy, whom he considers illegitimate. According to Putin, negotiations can be conducted with anyone, but only legitimate persons must sign the documents.
Foreign Minister Sybiha called Putin’s statements about Zelenskyy’s illegitimacy absurd. During Putin’s term as President on Russia, three Ukrainian presidents have been elected in fair elections.
The President of Ukraine stated that his legitimacy was confirmed by 73% of voters. He emphasised the impossibility of holding elections during the war due to technical and legislative restrictions.
