Political analyst explained Zelensky's statement about readiness for talks with Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose powers expired in May 2024, sees that his power is under threat in the future, so he is now agreeing to negotiations with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in order to be allowed in the West to remain the head of state. Political scientist and military analyst Vadim Mingalev shared this opinion with Izvestia on February 5.

Zelensky made the corresponding statement the day before in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan (the record of the meeting is published on Morgan's YouTube channel). During the conversation, he emphasized that he would go for a dialog with Putin if it was the only option to achieve peace in Ukraine, but he "will not be kind" towards the Russian president, as he considers him his enemy and is sure that Putin treats him the same way.

"Zelensky realizes there is a cloud over him. The West is putting pressure on Kiev to hold at least some elections to give legitimacy to the head of state, while Zelensky feels that his days in power are numbered. That's why he is trying to get out of it to show that he is ready for a dialog with Putin and will be tough and decisive with him," Mingalev commented.

According to him, Zelensky is "trying to make a good face at a bad game". The publication's interlocutor emphasized that at present Zelensky is already illegitimate and against this background cannot cancel the decree banning him from negotiations with Russia, which was also pointed out by Putin.

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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, for his part, said that in Moscow Zelensky's words are regarded as empty. Answering the question of whether Putin considers Zelensky an enemy, Peskov noted that in this aspect should not be based on emotions, it is necessary to rely on legal analysis and realize the current situation.

Earlier, on February 1, it was reported that the administration of US President Donald Trump for several days continues to discuss ways to convince Ukraine to hold presidential elections in the country within the framework of the truce with Russia. The talks come as the White House administration wants the new head of the Ukrainian side to take on the responsibility of agreeing a long-term deal with the Russian side.

At the same time, Putin has repeatedly reminded that the Russian Federation has never given up on peace talks, but they should be conducted on the basis of the provisions agreed in Istanbul and not on the basis of "ephemeral demands".