On January 28, 2025, Vladimir Putin reaffirmed that Russia was ready to engage in negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine, while rejecting direct talks with Volodymyr Zelensky

In an interview with state television, the Russian president emphasized that Moscow remained open to talks but saw no willingness from the Ukrainian side. He labeled Zelensky as “illegitimate,” justifying his refusal to engage in any negotiations with the current Ukrainian president.

Putin excludes Zelensky’s participation in negotiations

According to Putin, even if Zelensky wishes to participate in talks, he would not engage himself and would instead choose other representatives to lead the discussions. He referenced a decree from Zelensky in October 2022, which excluded any negotiations while Putin remained in power, claiming this made any dialogue “illegitimate” in the current context. However, the Russian president suggested that it might be possible to find a “legal way” to initiate talks if Kyiv desired, though he had not observed any real willingness from Ukraine.

The prospect of negotiations revived by Donald Trump

The subject of negotiations, frequently discussed in recent months, gained new momentum with the return to power of Donald Trump in the United States. The former president has repeatedly expressed his desire to end the conflict quickly and proposed meeting Putin “as soon as possible.” Trump also suggested that Volodymyr Zelensky might be willing to negotiate an agreement to end the “ridiculous war,” although his intentions remain unclear.

For his part, Putin stated that the war in Ukraine could end “in two months” if Western military aid were to cease. He insisted that Ukraine would not survive more than a month without the necessary funds and munitions. This statement comes amid Ukraine’s fear of a reduction in military support, particularly with the potential return of Trump to the White House.

Ukraine caught between two fires

Ukraine, on the other hand, fears being forced to negotiate from a position of weakness, particularly due to pressure from Russia over its occupied territories. While Zelensky has long rejected the idea of direct negotiations with Moscow, he has recently discussed the possibility, provided that solid security guarantees from Western countries are offered.

The Kremlin, for its part, sets strict conditions for any negotiations, demanding Ukraine’s non-membership in NATO and the recognition of the annexation of Ukrainian territories by Russia. The question of negotiations remains up in the air, with no concrete progress made thus far.