Peskov responded to the question whether Putin considers Zelensky an enemy

The Kremlin's official representative, Dmitriy Peskov, has urged not to rely on emotions when assessing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (his term of office expired on 20 May 2024) and to rely on a legal analysis of the current situation.

This is how he reacted to a journalist's question about whether Russian President Vladimir Putin considers the Ukrainian leader an enemy.

"The analysis from our side, which has been repeatedly voiced by President Putin, suggests that Mr. Zelensky has big problems de jure in terms of his legitimacy in his country, but even so, the Russian side remains open for negotiations," Peskov said.

He also emphasized that the dynamics of the special operation indicates that the initiative for negotiations should come from Ukraine. However, Zelensky's words about readiness for talks with Putin are seen as empty, he added.

"Readiness must rest on something, readiness and willingness. It cannot rest on a legislative ban on such negotiations for Zelensky. Therefore, so far, except as empty words, it is impossible to perceive it," - concluded Peskov.

Continued exploring: the Kremlin sees no grounds for negotiations with Kiev

Is it possible to resume dialog between Russia and Ukraine after Trump comes to power in the United States?

Putin has repeatedly reminded that Russia has never given up on peace talks, but they should be conducted on the basis of the provisions agreed upon in Istanbul, not on the basis of "ephemeral demands."

The last round of talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul on March 29, 2022. 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.