Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his willingness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but insists that any negotiations must lead to a final, binding agreement signed by legitimate authorities. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Putin emphasized that while he is open to talks, the legitimacy of Ukraine’s current leadership raises serious questions about the durability of any potential agreement.
“I am ready to meet with everyone, including Zelenskyy,” Putin said during a meeting with international news agency representatives on the forum’s sidelines. “That’s not the issue. The question is who will sign the documents.”
Putin’s comments come amid ongoing debate over Zelensky’s legitimacy following the expiration of his five-year presidential term in May. Citing Ukraine’s constitution, Putin argued that there is no provision allowing the president’s powers to be extended, even under martial law. “It’s written there — read carefully,” he said, implying that any agreements signed by Zelensky could be deemed invalid by future Ukrainian authorities.
The Russian president expressed concern that unless a final agreement is signed by a legally recognized head of state, any progress made in negotiations could be easily undone. “Otherwise, the next person will come and throw it all away,” he warned.
While reiterating that he does not oppose negotiations in principle, Putin made clear that he is only prepared to meet at the “final stage” of discussions, once substantive groundwork has been completed. “I am ready to meet, but only at some final stage, so that we don’t sit endlessly dividing things,” he said. “The end must be definitive.”
The comments were made during the 28th edition of SPIEF, held in St. Petersburg from June 18–21, under the theme “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World.” The Rossiya Segodnya media group, which includes Sputnik, serves as the forum’s information partner.
Putin’s remarks underscore the deep political and legal divides that continue to hamper diplomatic efforts between Moscow and Kyiv as the conflict grinds on.
