Egypt Daily News – Russian media quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying that President Vladimir Putin is ready for dialogue with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, but Moscow questions Zelenskyy’s legitimacy.
Peskov noted that “the legal status of any agreements is a matter that requires serious discussion, given the possibility of questioning Zelenskyy’s legitimacy.”
Moscow considers that Zelenskyy’s term ended in May and is demanding presidential elections in Ukraine, while Kyiv insists that his authority remains valid under martial law.
The Kremlin continues to reference Zelenskyy’s September 2022 decree, which prohibits negotiations with Moscow under current conditions, calling for its cancellation. Despite this, Zelenskyy recently stated that he is open to dialogue with Putin.
China Supports Dialogue Without Mentioning Ukraine
Meanwhile, China has expressed support for diplomatic efforts, including talks between the United States and Russia. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Jiakun said in Beijing that “China welcomes all efforts aimed at achieving peace,” emphasizing that a diplomatic solution is the only way to end the crisis. However, he did not mention Ukraine directly.
Zelensky Postpones Visit to Saudi Arabia
In a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has postponed his official visit to Saudi Arabia until March 10, following Ukraine’s exclusion from the U.S.-Russia talks held in Riyadh on Tuesday.
Zelenskyy was originally scheduled to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, but he decided to delay his trip after the meeting, stating that Kyiv had not been invited.
During a press conference in Ankara following the U.S.-Russia negotiations, Zelenskyy said: “We were surprised not to be invited to this meeting, and I believe many others were surprised as well.”
He added: “We are completely honest and transparent, and we do not want any surprises. That is why I decided to postpone my visit to Saudi Arabia.”
The Ukrainian president emphasized that his country will not accept any peace agreement reached without its direct participation.
