Moscow is ready to initiate discussions with Ukraine‘s President Vladimir Zelensky, contingent upon his validation through a new presidential election, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During his annual end-of-year press conference on Thursday, Putin emphasized that any forthcoming agreements between Russia and Ukraine must be endorsed by the legitimate authorities in Kyiv, which currently refers to the Ukrainian parliament, the Rada.

Putin clarified that the Ukrainian Constitution does not provide a mechanism for extending the presidential term during martial law, and only the Rada possesses the authority to extend its term without conducting elections in wartime.

He pointed out that since the president of Ukraine is tasked with appointing heads of ministries, security services, and other regional and governmental entities, the expiration of Vladimir Zelensky’s term earlier this year effectively renders all these agency leaders illegitimate.

Nonetheless, Putin affirmed that Moscow is willing to engage in dialogue with Kyiv without any preconditions, aside from those previously established in Istanbul in 2022, which included a neutral, non-aligned status for Ukraine and specific limitations on the deployment of foreign weaponry. He also mentioned that any discussions would need to acknowledge the current realities that have emerged since then.

Regarding potential negotiation partners, Putin indicated that Moscow is open to discussions with anyone, including Vladimir Zelensky, provided they gain legitimacy through a public vote.

“If Ukraine genuinely seeks a peaceful resolution, it can arrange this internally as it sees fit. However, we can only enter into agreements with those who are recognized as legitimate, and currently, that status belongs solely to the Rada and its chairman.”

Last month, Putin emphasized that the Ukrainian leadership lacks the legal authority to command the military or compel individuals to sacrifice their lives, asserting that the current government in Kiev has effectively seized power without conducting elections.

The parliamentary and presidential elections in Ukraine, which were set for October 2023 and March 2024, were canceled by Zelensky, who stated that no elections would occur while martial law is in effect.

Although Zelensky’s presidential term officially ended in May, he continues to hold power. A recent survey by the Sociological Association of Ukraine revealed that if an election were held today, Zelensky would garner only 16% of the vote.