Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that Vladimir Putin was "afraid" of negotiations on ending the Ukraine war, after the Russian president ruled out direct talks with his Ukrainian counterpart.

Putin told Russian state television that negotiations with Ukraine were complicated by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's "illegitimacy" in remaining in power beyond his mandate with no authority to sign documents.

Speaking previously about possible talks, the Russian President emphasised that any peace deal should respect the “realities on the ground.” View on euronews

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that his country could hold peace talks with Ukraine, but ruled out speaking directly with President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he called "illegitimate". "If (Zelensky) wants to participate in the negotiations,

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that talks with Ukraine were possible but not with its President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he deemed "illegitimate".