Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Ukraine could find a legal way to hold peace talks with Russia on ending their nearly three-year-old war, but Moscow sees no willingness on Kyiv's part to engage.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy clash over the legitimacy of peace negotiations. Putin argues Ukraine can legally pursue talks, but accuses Zelenskiy of illegitimacy.

MOSCOW: Ukraine could find a legal way to hold peace talks with Russia on ending their nearly three-year-old war, but Moscow sees no willingness on Kyiv's part to engage, Russian President Vladimir Pu

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Vladimir Putin of being “afraid” to engage in peace talks after his Russian counterpart claimed Kyiv’s government was illegitimate and not worthy to negotiate with.

In the past, the Russian president said that any peace deal should respect the “realities on the ground”, hinting that Moscow wants to keep all the territories it currently occupies in Ukraine.

Russian President Putin argues Ukrainian leader Zelensky lacks legitimacy to sign peace deals, citing expired presidential terms and a 2022 decree banning negotiations. Zelensky counters, accusing Putin of avoiding talks to prolong the war and dismissing Russia’s claims of his illegitimacy.