Putin open to meeting Zelensky, questions legitimacy

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is possible, but there are questions about Zelensky’s legitimacy.

1news.media reports, citing TASS, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated this at a meeting with the heads of the world's leading news agencies.

“I’ve said before — I’m ready to meet with anyone, including Zelensky. That’s not the issue. If the Ukrainian state trusts someone to conduct negotiations, fine — let it be Zelensky,” Putin said.

“The real question is who will be signing the documents. Look, I’m not making this up. From a propaganda standpoint, you can say whatever you want about the legitimacy of the current authorities. But when it comes to serious matters, what matters is not the propaganda, but the legal aspect,” Putin said.

“All military commanders are appointed by presidents, all ministers are appointed by presidents, and all governors are appointed by presidents. There’s no issue of being ‘acceptable.’ But if the top official is illegitimate, the entire system of power becomes illegitimate,” said Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Why am I saying this? We don’t care who conducts the negotiations — even if it’s the current head of the regime. I’m even ready to meet. But if it comes to a final stage — to stop sitting around endlessly dividing things and to put a full stop — that final signature must come from legitimate authorities. Otherwise, you know, someone else will come later and throw it all in the trash. That’s unacceptable — we’re dealing with serious matters,” he added.