Putin Ready for Ukraine Talks Without 'Illegitimate' Zelensky; Conflict Could End in Two Months if West Halts Aid

Jan 28, 2025, 07:45 PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that negotiations with Ukraine are possible but not with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he considers illegitimate and unable to sign any agreements. Putin claimed that Zelensky cannot lift his own ban on talks with Russia and suggested that he is ready to allocate negotiators for dialogue if Ukraine desires. He asserted that the conflict could end within two months if Western nations ceased financial and military support to Kyiv, accusing the West of persuading Ukraine to continue the war. In response, Zelensky accused Putin of fearing negotiations and strong leaders, and of attempting to prolong the war.