Kremlin Prioritizes Ukraine Negotiations Over Zelensky's Legitimacy

The Kremlin has indicated that resuming direct negotiations with Kyiv is a higher priority than concerns over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's legitimacy, despite ongoing Russian claims that his term has expired due to postponed elections under martial law. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that legal questions regarding Zelensky are secondary to the goal of initiating peace talks, though he noted Kyiv has not shown readiness to engage in negotiations, especially as Zelensky maintains a legal ban on direct talks with Moscow while Putin remains in power. Moscow recently proposed a 72-hour ceasefire to coincide with the Victory Day holiday, but Ukrainian officials have criticized the offer as insufficient, calling instead for a longer truce. The Kremlin dismissed Zelensky’s call for a 30-day ceasefire, citing unresolved issues and concerns that a longer pause would enable Ukrainian forces to regroup. Meanwhile, discussions about Zelensky's legitimacy have faded from U.S. rhetoric, as international focus shifts toward encouraging peace negotiations over procedural disputes. Despite these diplomatic signals, both sides remain far apart on the terms and conditions for any ceasefire or substantive talks.