Zakharova called Zelensky's words about negotiations with Russia cynicism towards Ukrainians

The ban on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (whose term of office expired on 20 May 2024) from negotiating with Russia shows cynicism and disregard for the lives of Ukrainians. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on January 26.

"Zelensky's condition is understandable, for a long time there are no questions. Yesterday also the birthday overlapped. Strikes another thing: the degree of cynicism and squeamish disregard for their compatriots," she wrote in her Telegram-channel.

Zakharova expressed bewilderment at the Ukrainian leader's statement, noting that the situation resembles a "kindergarten."

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The day before, on January 25, Zelensky tried to justify the ban on negotiations with Russia, referring to certain circumstances. He explained who is covered by this ban in the context of conflict resolution, but made a number of factual errors.

On January 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that perhaps Kiev's sponsors would force Zelensky to reverse the decision to ban talks with Russia. He added that the Ukrainian leader was in no hurry to fulfill their instructions. However, in his opinion, they will eventually force Zelensky to cancel this adopted decree.

On January 23, Zelensky admitted the possibility of negotiations with Putin if US President Donald Trump gives Kiev security guarantees. According to the Ukrainian leader, the only question for him is what guarantees we are talking about, and he wants to have this understanding before the talks.

The day before, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reminded that in order to resolve the crisis, it is necessary to address its root causes and secure guarantees.

The last round of talks between Russia and Ukraine took place on March 29, 2022 in Istanbul. They lasted about three hours. Later, Kiev officially refused contacts with Moscow. On October 4, 2022, the Ukrainian president put into effect the decision of the country's National Security and Defense Council on the impossibility of holding talks with Putin.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the start of which was announced by the Russian Federation on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the background of the aggravated situation in the region.