Putin stated the conditions under which he is ready to negotiate with Zelensky.

Putin ready for negotiations with Ukraine based on Istanbul agreements

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is ready to begin negotiations with Ukraine without any preconditions, but within the framework of the agreed agreements in Istanbul in 2022.

Now regarding the conditions for starting negotiations. We have no preconditions. We are ready to engage in dialogue without any conditions, but based on what we agreed upon. I have spoken about this many times during the negotiations in Istanbul at the end of 2022, considering the realities that exist today. Our positions have been expressed by the Russian Federation, particularly during my speech before the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. All of this has already been said, there is no sense in repeating it.

Putin also stated that Russia is ready to communicate with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, if his elections are considered legitimate.

If not with the head of the regime, then with whom? If the elections are legitimate, then we will communicate with anyone. But for now, if Ukraine truly wishes to achieve a peaceful settlement, they can do so by their own efforts within the country. They can organize this process as they wish. We can only conclude agreements with those who have legitimate legitimacy. And legitimacy only has the Rada and the head of the Rada. Anyone can organize it as they find convenient, but we will be able to sign only with representatives of legitimate authorities if we ever reach a conclusion on signing documents. That's all.

Let us remind you that Putin has tried to undermine the legitimacy of the Ukrainian authorities through constitutional manipulations.