Putin discusses Ukraine talks, rejects Zelensky's legitimacy

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that while he sees a potential legal route for peace talks with Ukraine, he considers President Volodymyr Zelensky illegitimate due to the expiration of his term during martial law. Putin claimed negotiations could proceed through alternative representatives if Ukraine expressed a genuine desire to compromise. Public sentiment in Ukraine is shifting, with a December survey indicating that 50.6% of respondents now support negotiations with Russia, a notable increase from previous months. Furthermore, 19.5% favor halting hostilities along current frontlines, reflecting a growing openness to compromise. Despite these shifts in public opinion, the ongoing conflict shows no signs of de-escalation, and Putin believes that Western support for Ukraine is critical to the war's continuation. The situation continues to evolve amidst pressure from international leaders, including former US President Donald Trump, to facilitate a ceasefire.