Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement about his readiness to negotiate with Russia is “empty words”. This comes after Zelensky himself forbade himself from participating in negotiations, quoted by BTA.
Peskov stressed that the readiness for negotiations cannot be based on a legislative ban on them.
Problems with Zelensky's legitimacy
Peskov mentioned that Russia believes that Zelensky has serious legal problems with his legitimacy, but nevertheless stressed that Russia remains open to negotiations.
Zelensky and the possibility of negotiations with Putin
In an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, Zelensky said that he would agree to direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin if this was the only way to achieve peace for Ukraine. Peskov responded that despite the readiness for negotiations, for them to be effective, the results must be signed by people whose legitimacy is legally confirmed.
Russia-US relations
Peskov pointed out that Russia and the US maintain regular contacts through specialized services and that these relations "have strengthened" recently.
Peskov on Trump and Gaza
Peskov also commented on US President Donald Trump's statement that the residents of the Gaza Strip should move to other Arab countries, calling it "madness".
Russia and Iran
The Kremlin spokesman confirmed that Russia will continue to develop its relations with Iran, emphasizing the numerous areas of cooperation and the importance of this strategic partnership.