Putin Affirms Russia's Willingness for Ukraine Negotiations

Synopsis

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Moscow's readiness to engage in negotiations regarding Ukraine, emphasizing the challenges posed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's decree prohibiting talks. While initial discussions may occur, serious negotiations are hindered due to this ban. The Kremlin also expressed openness to nuclear disarmament talks with Washington.

Key Takeaways

Moscow expresses willingness for Ukraine negotiations.
Putin highlights challenges due to Zelensky's decree.
Preliminary discussions may occur, but serious talks are hindered.
There's a call for pressure on Zelensky to lift the negotiation ban.
Moscow seeks nuclear disarmament discussions with Washington.

Moscow, Jan 25 (NationPress) Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Moscow is willing to engage in discussions regarding Ukraine. He stated, "We have consistently asserted this, and I wish to reiterate that we are prepared for negotiations on the Ukrainian matter," during a statement made on Friday.

Putin pointed out that certain issues warrant particular attention, recalling that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier enacted a decree forbidding such negotiations, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

He questioned, "How can negotiations be restarted now that they have been prohibited?" and emphasized that any potential talks would be considered illegitimate under Ukraine's existing legal framework.

Putin noted that as long as the decree remains effective, it will be challenging to determine whether negotiations can initiate or reach a successful conclusion. He acknowledged that while some initial discussions might occur, serious negotiations would face obstacles due to the current prohibition from the Ukrainian side.

The Russian leader remarked that Zelensky "is not rushing" to revoke the decree against negotiations, suggesting that he is following directives from his backers. He urged those financing Kiev to exert pressure on the Ukrainian leader to lift the ban.

In a speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, US President Donald Trump noted that US initiatives for a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine were "hopefully in progress," adding that Ukraine was prepared to negotiate.

Additionally, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that Moscow is open to discussions on nuclear disarmament with Washington, although it is crucial to consider the nuclear arsenals of US allies.

During his virtual address at the WEF Annual Meeting, Trump advocated for denuclearization, highlighting that Putin backed this initiative.

Peskov remarked, "For the benefit of the entire world and the citizens of our nations, we are certainly keen to initiate this negotiation process as promptly as possible," adding, "In the current circumstances, it is essential to consider all nuclear capabilities." He emphasized that discussions on disarmament cannot proceed without addressing the nuclear capabilities of France and Britain.

Peskov also noted that while these negotiations hold significance, time has already been lost, and currently, "the ball is in Washington's court."