In an interview published on January 28, Putin stated that if the aggressor country, Russia, were to initiate negotiations with Ukraine now, those talks would be "illegitimate". This is because Zelensky, who previously signed a decree prohibiting negotiations with him, allegedly cannot revoke it now due to the end of his five-year term, and therefore cannot legally engage in talks or sign anything. At the same time, the illegitimate Russian president believes that the head of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, can cancel Zelensky's decree, but so far, the Kremlin "does not see such a desire."
Additionally, Putin mentioned that he is prepared to "allocate people" who would conduct negotiations with Zelensky.
"Today, Putin once again confirmed that he fears negotiations, fears strong leaders, and is doing everything to prolong the war. Every step he takes and all his cynical tricks are aimed at making the war endless," Zelensky reacted. "In 2014, Russia launched a hybrid war against Ukraine, which escalated into a full-scale conflict in 2022. Now we see that there is an opportunity to achieve real peace, but it is precisely Putin who is doing everything to either continue the full-scale killing or to gain a pause, so that later, by delivering hybrid strikes, he can prepare for a new full-scale invasion."
According to the Ukrainian president, world leaders should "learn from the mistakes of previous years and the leaders who have already left the stage."
"Specifically: Putin has great capabilities to destroy peace, but a heart that is too small and cowardly to withstand real pressure from leaders. And that is why we must act in a coordinated and decisive manner – all those who have enough courage to believe in peace and bring it closer through strength," Zelensky noted.
The President of Ukraine added that "real peace is possible if we force Russia to achieve it."