Putin questions who can sign Ukraine peace deal
Key Takeaways
- Putin questioned how Zelensky's extended time in office fits within Ukraine's constitutional term limits.
- The Russian leader said any future peace agreement must be signed by legally authorised representatives.
- Putin stated Russia is willing to pursue a peaceful settlement but said legal issues should be reviewed by specialists.
Russian president demands clarity on Zelensky’s legal status ahead of final agreement
Russian President Vladimir Putin has questioned who would have the legal authority to sign a future peace agreement on behalf of Ukraine, raising concerns about President Volodymyr Zelensky's time in office under the country's constitution.
Speaking about the prospects of ending the conflict, Putin said legal issues surrounding Ukraine's leadership would need to be clarified if both sides reach a settlement.
Under Ukraine's constitution, the president is limited to two five-year terms. Putin argued that questions remain about how President Zelensky's extended time in office should be interpreted.
"Under the Ukrainian Constitution, the president is limited to two five-year terms. If we agree with those who believe that President Zelensky extended his term legally, then two years have already passed. So is he now going to run for another five years? That is not permitted under the Constitution."
Putin continued: "Only two five-year terms, or ten years in total. But what about the two years he has already spent in power? There are many questions."
Despite raising concerns over the legal framework, Putin said Russia remains willing to pursue a negotiated end to the conflict.
"But if we do eventually get to signing the documents, I think that if there is a desire to end the armed conflict peacefully - and Russia does have such a desire - we will find those who need to sign the relevant document."
He added that the legal aspects of any agreement would require further examination by specialists.
"It's a very important matter, but it is, after all, a legal issue."
Putin said that if the conflict ultimately comes to an end, both sides should be able to recognise that outcome.
"With regard to what we might say to one another when the conflict comes to an end, the very least we could and should say is, 'Thank God it's all over.'"
"But the legal side to the matter must, naturally, be looked into at the specialists level. I think this is understandable."
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
